Just wondering what your take on this possible scenario:
Barb and Sheila came out of the water together, as is customary, and attempted a breakaway move on the bike. They worked together well the entire bike leg, knowing that only one of them could make the transfer slot to the Olympic team. The question: do you suppose that a deal was make either on the bike or before, that if one did hold the others off and made the team, that they would work for the person that did not, in the next qualifing race?
Would you make or accept such a deal? I would bet that they did…wisely.
I would definitely think it is possible. I have heard through friends of mine (female) that are trying to make the team that some of the Aussies have hired other pro’s to “pull” them on the swim and bike in order to give them the best shot when it came down to the run. If this tactic is used why not make a deal with someone you know can get you there? It’s all fair game in draft legal racing!
I doubt a deal was made but I could see each of them wanting the other there. This race went the way of all of their races and I suspect they would want the Olympics to go the same way. If the other isn’t there then tactics become less sure come Athens. If they are both there then they should be pretty much assured of medals (only question is which color) unless disaster strikes like Sheila’s intestinal problems in this race.
As Frank alludes, Barb NEEDS Sheila to make the Olympic team. Barb is an incredible athlete, but her unimaginable success in drafting races (unlike anything any male can/could do) is due in part to Barb having other strong swimmer/bikers to get her out of T2 in the lead. She rarely has the fastest run split. Her run is solid no doubt, but as we saw at the NZ Worlds if she leaves T2 in a pack there are other faster runners in the field.
Barb could still win in Athens, but having a Sheila and/or Laura Reback to help her get to T2 ahead of the pack would sure make it easier. Without a Sheila/Laura Barb’s chances of staying out front on the bike are pretty slim.
Hopefully after Barb wins Gold (my predication) she will retire from ITU and start destroying the 1/2IM, IM circuit. She is too good a swimmer/biker for any other female to touch in a non-drafting race.
I don’t know what she will do after the Olympics but I HOPE she starts doing IM stuff. Same with Sheila. Barb kicked butt last year at Wildflower and both are getting too old to think seriously about the next Olympics (although it is possible). It would be a real triumph if the Olympic champion also won Hawaii.
One more thing, I think you make a good point. As opposed to the men, women’s ITU racing is now being won on the bike/swim. They get ahead on the swim and stay ahead (or, increase the lead, enough) on the bike combined with a strong run, but not necessarily the fastest. For the men, the race doesn’t start til the run.
I predict another win for Barb at Lifetime again this year and Sheila will be right there also. They are both really strong right now.