Race Previews

Minneapolis Picks...

Tuesday, 04 July 2017 23:10

MINNEAPOLIS TRIATHLON - The 17th edition of this annual classic will happen on June 8 at Lake Nokomis. This is our state's largest and grandest tri...

LWT - Part III - Podium Picks....

Friday, 23 June 2017 09:10

LAKE WACONIA TRI PREVIEW PART III - We did some AG predictions earlier in the week. We also shared some race history.

Today we are guessing who will take the Top spots in tomorrow's race. Let's start with the guys.

LWT XXVIII - MEN -

In alpha order, here are the men we believe will comprise the overall Top 5: NATHAN ANSBAUGH, JOSH BLANKENHEIM, SAM HAUCK, KEVIN O'CONNOR and MATTHEW PAYNE.

Here are our comments:

- ANSBAUGH (photo L) - Dr. Nate impressed us last weekend with his win at Lake Minnetonka. Can he win again? Hard to say, because the field he will face tomorrow is deeper than the one he faced at LMT. Because we are not ready to bet against Matt Payne, we think that Ansbaugh will place either 2nd or 3rd.

- BLANKENHEIM - Duluth's Main Man has podiumed twice in the last three years here. Can he repeat that feat. Sure. We're anxious to see how he fares against Ansbaugh. On paper, they appear to be similarly talented.

- SAM HAUCK - Formerly of Shoreview, now from Leganon, NH, Sam used to be a true tri stud. His 2007, 2008 and 2009 resumes were sterling. Then he went to college in Nebraksa and concentrated on bike racing. He's back on the tri scene now but his performance at St. Anthony's in April, while impressive, suggests that he may not be quiteready to race like he did almost a decade ago. Still, we pick him to place 5th tomorrow, though Andy Wiberg could be an obstacle here...

LWT Preve - Part II...

Thursday, 22 June 2017 09:10

LWT PREVIEW PART II - On Tuesday we posted the Lake Waconia Triathlon's AG records. Today, we share the Top 10 men's and women's time in the 10-year history of the present course (.5 - 20 - 4)....

LWT - 2017 Preview...

Monday, 19 June 2017 09:10

LAKE WACONIA TRIATHLON PREVIEW - This event is one of the premier sprint course tris in our region. It is also one of our region's most competitive races at any distance. It deserves your participation....

2017 LMT Preview...

Wednesday, 14 June 2017 23:10

LAKE MINNETONKA TRIATHLON PREVIEW - This annual classic is celebrating its 14th anniversary next Saturday. General registration closed last week, but there still might be a one or two charity spots available.

We doubt that any state in America has as many outstanding triathlon venues as Minnesota, and Lake Minnetonka boasts one of the very best.

It's lovely venue on the shore of its namesake is not all that this event has to offer, though. Unique and abundant amenities, small town pride vibe and trophies the size of Shetland ponies that take two hands to lift are some of the other things. And what other race features both craft beer and rum?

LMT has a proud competitive history, so here are some of our predictions for next weekend's race:

- Defending champ CHRISTINA ROBERTS is our pick to win the women's competition, though she will be pushed hard by relentless sophomore triathlete, MAGGIE WEISS.

- ANGELA KIDD is our pick to round out the women's podium.

- JORDAN ROBY (photo) had a breakout season in 2016, starting with his podium finish at Lake Minnetonka. We're picking him to place 2nd on Saturday, one spot better than last year.

- BROOKS GROSSINGER has won this event five consecutive times, starting in 2012. He has this race totally dialed in, and we think that muscle memory will supplement his talent, and he will win for the 6th straight time.

- We're anxious to witness the battle for the 45-49W title. JODY QUESNELL, 49, is fit and ready to take on ANN SNUGGERUD, 49, who has three divisional wins at this race....

Liberty Preve - Part II...

Wednesday, 07 June 2017 23:10

LIBERTY XIV - Last Thursday we posted the Top 10 fastest men's and women's times in the thirteen-year history of the Liberty Half. Today we do the same for the Liberty Olympic Triathlon, which will celebrate its fourteenth anniversary on June 10.