In 2006 the New Bri Tri drew 63 participants. The fourth edition of this race, which will be staged on Saturday, June 6, reached it 500-entrant registration ceiling weeks ago.
New Bri's course records are a bit on the soft side and should, if the weather allows, fall this weekend.
The clear favorite in the women's race is Catherine Lee, 35, of Minneapolis. Lee, who placed 4th among amateur women at New Orleans 70.3 earlier this season, should cover the 1/4 mile-14 mile-3 mile route in 1:10 or faster, which would knock more than two minutes off Melinda Silbernick's CR, set in 2007. (Note: Melinda was 52 when she set the mark.) Also capable of dipping under Silbernick's standard is Jody Quesnell, 41, of Roseville. In the last two seasons, Quesnell, pronounced "Ka-nell," has collected four outright wins.
The men's race is harder to call as at least three men should battle for the win. In undetermined order, podium spots should go to flamboyant veteran "Rocket" Rod Raymond of Duluth, Brendon O'Flanagan of Oakdale, and St. Paul's Anton Pshon.
A strong performance by 16-year-old James Toay of Maple Grove may portend a Junior of the Year nomination at season's-end.
(Photo by Erik Hull. Podium-bound Brendon O'Flanagan at Oakdale Du.)
Editor's Note: After this preview appeared, MTN received these two e-mails. The first was from Catherine Lee:
"I should tell you that I'm not racing the New Bri Tri after all (thanks for picking me as the favorite, though! :)). I am now traveling to Anaheim for a conference to give a presentation. I wish I could be racing instead, but so it goes! I will be at Manitou the following weekend, though, and am really looking forward to it!
The second was from James Toay's father, Leo:
"I just wanted people to know that James Toay ended up having two hip surgeries (one in Aug 08 and one in Jan 09) – he had a congenital issue that caused a labral tear in each hip. He’s been in physical therapy..and the hips should be good as new, but he’s not competing this summer… I.. just wanted folks to know – in case they noticed him as registered for a number of tri’s – that he’s not showing up for. He can’t wait to get back into shape and compete again!"
MTN: Catherine, thanks for the update. James, get well and come back strong and hungry in 2010.
