(Photo: Cascade Falls in downtown Osceola, WI.)The third edition of the Osceola Duathlon will be staged on Saturday and, weather permitting, the women's course record and several AG marks should fall. The men's CR, David Thompson's 1:12:33 over the 3 mile - 22 mile - 1 mile route should stand for another year, though Wausau, WI's Mark Beversdorf could come close to matching it. The new-and-improved Joe Moyer and perennial OD medalist John Shelp should fight over the other two podium spots.
Four women--Diane Hankee, Suzie Finger, Tracie Kent and Ann Moyer are capable of matching or bettering Teresa Lopez-Stickney's 1:27:35 course best.
Who will win?
That's hard to say. Hankee's a great cyclist and is capable of the 23 mph average necessary to challenge the record. But Diane hasn't raced since mid-August.
Kent is capable, too, but may be a bit tired. Her last three races were Pigman Half, Ironman Wisconsin and Duathlon Worlds.
Moyer, like her husband, has improved significantly this season and her effort at Green Bay Du last weekend clearly demonstrated that she should not be taken lightly.
That leaves Finger. The rookie is fit and fearless. She loves to race and will be gunning for her 3rd win of the year.
Advantage: Moyer. She's been flirting with the Winner's Circle all season. She's now ready to land in it.
Look for Ben Ewers (60-64M) and Bob Bailey (65-69M) to crush their divisional CRs.
