There were 264 votes cast in the poll and the Big Four played out this way:
Anton 75
Kilian 66
Geoff 61
Hal 37
Seems like the readers of this blog just don't have confidence in the 2-time champ. We'll see how things play out on Saturday but, just for the record, in last year's poll Hal finished second and, well, we all know what ended up happening.
A few other tidbits:
-After last year's international explosion in the top-5, I have recently learned that both Jez Bragg and Tsuyoshi Kaburaki will not be starting the race this year. This means, for the first time in recent memory, only six of the previous year's top-10 will start (Jasper Halekas and Kevin Sullivan did not choose to return).
-The 5th place vote-getter in the poll was first time entrant Nick Clark. After an amazing spring during which he racked up 15 consecutive 100-mile training weeks he appears to be primed and ready.
-Sometime in the next day or so we should learn about the course for this year's race. In the event that there is too much snow to access the Lyon's Ridge and Red Star Ridge Aid Stations an alternate course will be used. The race will, regardless, follow the standard route from Duncan Canyon to the Finish.
-Latest weather forecast indicates below average temperatures for race weekend.
-I've posted a poll for the men's Masters' Race on the sidebar. Without Tsuyoshi in the race it looks like it'll be wide open!
And, here's a really timely post on confidence I found over on Hang Nine.
14 comments:
And guess what? Pearl Izumi is handing out $2000 for any male/female to take down the fastest times...regardless of course....
Below average temps! It would have been my year! Damn.
As for Nick, he definitely deserves a shout out. This year's Sullivan? I know I placed him high on my iRunFar prediction picks.
Have a great run, AJW.
Very Cool link to bobbysez. Still waiting for the course decision..but I guess it doesn't really matter now.
Why does HK never get any love in these polls? I have a feeling it works to his advantage. And that $2000 prize for a CR? Interesting that they'd do it outside of WSER. Kinda feels like they're banditing, whatever that means.
I think HK doesn't get any love for the same reason most returning champs usually don't get any love...everyone loves to root for the underdog whether it be a first time 100-miler, first timer on the course, first time racing across the pond, you name it...the list of reasons is endless. Sounds kinda funny to call guys like Roes, Krupicka, Jornet, etc. underdogs because of their enormous talent AND results but at States, or anywhere for that matter, I'd give talent AND course experience the odds over talent all by its lonesome any day of the year, especially the last Saturday in June.
Craig, I wonder if maybe Otto is working for Pearl Izumi? AJW told him it was OK to bandit the course, why not throw in a little "bandit prize money" as well :)
Why not Thornley and Koz? No else is doing it and someone will be deserving of it in that field! "banditing?" Nope just a Pearl Izumi challenge
FastEd, don't get me wrong I like seeing money put up for records and/or wins, it just feels a little weird to do it without having a deal with the race. Could just be my own quirky business sense. Trying to think of another instance where a non-sponsor gives out cash for a CR in any other race - ultra or non-ultra? Maybe it has happened and maybe WSER and Montrail don't mind?
Seems strange to me as well but, if PI Smith is willing to put out the dough and WSER and Montrail don't have a problem with it I guess it's just part of the "growth of the sport." And, if it causes a couple guys to push a bit hard early, so be it!
ajw
Have you seen Pearl Izumi's latest ad in Running Times? Then it shouldn't seem that weird.
I'll see you guys in Squaw! Good luck to you!
What a hard race to call, but Hal would be higher than last!
Way to go AJW! Helleva run buddy! Not only kept your top 10 but even moved up a notch. Number 9, number 9! Recover well, Steven in Austin.
Watching from Northern Ireland - well run!! There's a few points up on LB. :) all the best for the recovery.
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