Thomas Gerlach wrote:
nstearns wrote:
Emotionally; I'd love to see Crowie in Kona again. Realistically; I don't think Crowie could pull off a 7th in Kona now due to training, other commitments and injuries. I just don't think Crowie would be prepared the way that he'd like and needs.
Really tough to say. Kona is a different race and all he needs to do is swim with the front pack, be conservative on bike and unleash his run. Last year at Kona he had that flat early at the bottom of Palani. Although he only lost 1 minute, to catch back up to the group he burned way too many matches. I think he could pull of a 7th or even a top 5, or outside chance for podium if he had an ideal day. I really expect this years race to be blown apart. Starky year 2, Kienle and Weiss combo could be deadly as well. I think this is going to be a really interesting year with lots of carnage on both the bike and the run, and playing it conservative might be the way to go.
I agree with you all the way. I'm sure you saw the interviews; but in one Crowie said his back injury flared up again and he had to walk the Kona marathon for a while (it also flared up at Kona 2 years ago). First time ever for him in Kona. Crowie has also had issues with a sore back this year and dropped out of a race because of it; so I was taking that into account too.
I absolutely agree with you about Kona too. I imagine that Starky, Kienle and Weiss will blow the race apart on the bike again this year. It'll be interesting to see if Starky doesn't get sick on the bike this time and how that effects the dynamics of the race.
It would be cool to see you running on the webcast again too :)