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Yep, those are
the odds when the athletes of the Olympiad lines up on the
shores of Athens come August. The games maybe 108 years old and
some of the sports are too that old but now that Triathlon is having
a second go I all of a sudden feel obliged to comment on its
recognition. You know, Triathlon is only 30 years old, what’s the
big deal? Well the deal is that if your reading this and you haven’t
done a race then sign up, (ask me to coach you) and you’ll know what
I’m talking about. You see, I have a feeling that you may think what
I’m thinking… That is … Triathlon is so catchy that after one try
you are hooked, line and sinker too. It’s a sport that most of its
competitors are looking for an achievement, a goal or simply
challenging themselves to do the unthinkable and that’s to complete
a Triathlon.
Then at the other
end of the spectrum, this year Athletes, 50 of them, men and women
will compete for Medals as they master the three disciplined event
through the streets of suburban Athens. The course is tough on the
bike and hot, damn hot! I have broken down the men’s field for you
and my insight is given with an open Olympic distance mind. Remember
last time in Sydney, the podium represented a half a dozen podium
World cup finishes between them pre games time. There are favorites
and then there are dark horses, but this race is not others , it’s
the Big Daddy of this distance and it only rolls around every four
years.
The Americans:
Hunter Kemper:
Americas numero uno, has been for a while and I think he is an
outside chance for the win but certainly a medal chance. Why? Cause
I said so! Hunter has learned over the last four years hat its like
to race ITU and now has the run to win, always had a run, but not to
win. He has performed well at the highest level winning world cups
and Pan American champ. Needs to be in sight of Whitfield and Rana
off the bike.
Odds 6:1
Andy Potts: The
new Hunter Kemper, Why, cause he is! Andy has excelled in the most
important discipline in triathlon already; his swim is awesome and
sets up his race. You see, if your 2 minutes down in Olympic
distance racing in the pro’s then pack ya bags Charlie, your on the
early flight home.
In a nut shell,
Andy has really improved on his running and will leads the boys
around, well, in the early running anyhow.
Odds 25:1
Victor Plata: OK
I know Plata is silver in Spanish, but sorry Vic, I know you mate
but you gunna have to fire this time buddy if you want some
hardware! Victor is a great guy, a team leader and a veteran. He was
the alternate for Sydney and I am thrilled for him. He should be the
after party planner. Have a good time Vic! Odds 30:1
The Class of 2004
The favorite:
Simple Simon Whitfield (CAN). Happy as he is known around the
traps. Mr. Happy go lucky is gunna have to call on all of his
biking ability this time. Athens sets up hard on the bike and Simon
needs to rally here. If the race comes down to a sprint, then send
that Medal to the engraver, have it etched, Two Time Olympic Champ!
I’m glad I didn’t have to sprint with him. Needs to be within a
minute of Stolz and company off the bike he wants it.
Odds on
Favorite.
Ivan Rana
(ESP): Here is a guy that is the purest form of a runner. Bugger the
triathlon Ivan, try the marathon you skinny freak! Have you seen a
gazelle run? Well he’s nothing like that! HE’S BETTER. Effortless
but biking is his thorn. Needs to keep up with Whitfield and the
same scenario applies. Can sprint but the Kiwi Docherty out played,
outwitted and out- Hang on a sec, out sprinted him! Thought I was
going to say something else, didn’t ya?
Odds 2:1
Bevan Docherty
(NZL): I spoke to Bevan in Queenstown New Zealand last year about
how his season was going, and I commented that if he kept it up that
he have big things coming his way, well pat me on th back cause this
kid is the real deal. The gen’s say it all. The old man is an
Ironman athlete and his Sister Fiona is a world Champ duathlete.
Bevan has it all, could swim a little quicker as his team mate
Carter will want to leave him in the dust early if he wants to be
top Kiwi bird. A great runner and a threat in any race.
Odds 3:1
Peter Robertson
(AUS): Robbo! Yep, this guy has it all. Ran away with it last year
when the chase group let two World Champs slip off into oblivion and
snag another world title, certainly helps when you have an Olympic
selection on the line, but, you never let champions slip off the
front. Won the Olympic qualifier in Sydney in 2000 and finished
near the end. Robbo is hot and cold, but if he strikes hot then look
out.
Odds 5:1
Paul Amey (GBR):
Talk about a dark horse. This guy is also hitting the purest form of
raw talent and running ability. Also a few years back in OZ, he
demonstrated how a runner can also be a swimmer. He went from being
one of the tailenders to leading the swims, and if you think there
were no swimmers in the fields, then what was Brad Beven? Amos,
affectionately known, can really stir things up especially if he’s
in the lead group off the bike. Odds… Dark Brown Horse that can go
like the clappers….he he he he he he he
Greg Bennett
(AUS): Buddy old pal old mate. This guy deserves a medal for
persistence, no Greggy don’t get to complacent. This guy has done it
all in this distance but win the worlds. He is consistently
consistent and always making or breaking a race. Great to see him on
the team as he was the alternate in Sydney.
Odds, Good
Bloke, odds on to marry Laura at the end of the year!
7:1
Dimitry Gaag (UKR):
The only bloke that lined up that had less hair than me. What’s that
got to do , got to do with, I just like singing alright! Mate, the
reason why the hair is gone is none other than being a really fast
runner. The guy can go, the most unassuming athlete in the field.
Could walk around the village and pass for a security officer! Odds
very good chance, 4th in Sydney,
6:1
Hamish Carter (NZL):
Sheep herder extraordinaire. This guy is the most experienced in the
field and will need to draw on all that if he medals. Hamish is an
accomplished swim Bike and runner, one of the best ever, BUT, needs
to break away like he normally ties to. Should think about hooking
up with Stolz and Marceau, Llanos and company.
Odds 8:1
Tim Don (GBR):
10th in Sydney behind Simon Lessing, the best Olympic
distance racer in the last decade. Don has what Simon has in talent
but needs to execute with his devastating run leg. If this is a 10k
race then I fancy him, if not then will have to work hard to medal.
Odds 10:1
Olivier Marceau
(SUI): The ex-Frenchman and leader off the bike in Sydney along with
Stolz will be a marked man but if you don’t have the legs then that
ain't gunna do much. Has the talent to do well as he medalled at
Queenstown last December and was seventh in Sydney, former world
champ should place in the top ten.
Odds 10:1
Simon Thompson
(AUS): Winner of the Australian trials, Simon flew under the radar
until he won Phuket last year then accelerated to the top of
Australian triathlon and hasn’t left. Simon is meticulous in
preparation and I believe he will shake it up over the hilly bike.
The harder the race the better the result.
Odds 8:1
Vladimir
Polikarpenko (UKR): Like Gaag, unorthodox style with bow legs, but
hey, win ugly! Tall and powerful Ukrainian can also run, but really
well in the heat.
Odds: 10:1
Andrew Johns (GBR):
Johnsy, the crowd favorite, all round good guy that fell ill before
Sydney should redeem himself, like Bennett, Ultra consistent and
should be there in the mix.
Odds 12:1
Corad Stolz (RSA):
Caveman! Mate, this guy is an engine. He is the Xterra World
Champion the African Champion and if there were a medal for best at
show, then give him the gold! He is the nicest young man you could
meet, one that you take home to Mum and Dad. Had a minute lead in
Sydney to finish 20th, could win or get gobbled up by
some 10k road race happening behind.
Odds 12:1
Eneko Llanos
(ESP): Reigning Xterra World Champ. Got it all but lacks speed. Can
be in the break group much to the disliking of Rana. Don’t know if
team tactics will come into play, but mate, c’mon, it’s the Olympic
games, win it for yourself! Strong enough to go alone but results
show that its against him.
Odds 15:1
Rasmus Henning
(DEN): Won on the Olympic course last year with MJ, Michellie Jones.
Rasmus is a strong swimmer and runner but faces daunting competition
on the course a year later. Has to be in the lead group for a shot.
Odds 12:1
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