Timothy Carlson’s DC Odds
A brief list of odds-on favorites for Sunday's Dextro Energy 2009 World Championship Series Round Three triathlon in Washington D.C.
Women
Emma Snowsill (AUS) 2-1
At just 27 years of age, Snowy dominated the Olympics, has a record 3 ITU World titles, and possesses the fastest run in the game. If you thought she might have post-Olympic slump, her dominating win at the Dextro Energy 2009 World Championship Series Round One in Tongyeong, South Korea should dispel any doubts.
Emma Moffat (AUS) 9-2
Little Emma is on fire this year and would be favored is not for Emma the Gold Medal Empress of Tri.
Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 5-1
Just won a nail-biting duel with Lisa Norden of Sweden at Round 2 in Madrid. Excellent run makes her a fit for this flat course with no bike breakaways anticipated.
Lisa Norden (SWE) 7-1
Came on strong after early season injuries. No twinges after Madrid. Might not go so well here since her strong bike is neutralized by flat course.
Sarah Haskins (USA) 8-1
In the mix until the end at Madrid where she got out sprinted and had to settle for 5th. Big stage racer, responds big in home country big ones.
Laura Bennett (USA) 10-1
Out of action healing from injury since Olympics. Fellow Americans Rebeccah Wassner, Sarah Groff, Mary Beth Ellis and Jenna Shoemaker all have better current form (Bennett has none) but multiple ITU World medalist and 4th place Olympian has clutch history when she toes the line.
Magali di Marco Messmer and Daniela Ryf (SUI) 12-1
This Swiss quiniela could score. Ryf has strong bike and run, placed top 10 agt Olympics. Three time Olympian di Marco Messmer leads the World Championship series points chase – so far.
Helen Jenkins (GBR) 20-1
The 2008 World Champion is still recovering from small injuries and 2008 burnout. Also, her strong bike is neutralized by the flats. Count on her to contend later in season.
The Field: 25-1
Juri Ide, Anja Dittmer, Sarah Groff, Rebeccah Wassner, Annabel Luxford, Jenna Shoemaker, Erin Densham Lisa Mensink all have puncher's chances to podium.
The Men
Alistair Brownlee (GBR) 3-1
His Madrid win was devastating. Weeks prior he ran a 29:30 10k in winds so bad rational observers opined that he could have broken 29 minutes. He's 21 and unless proven otherwise is billed as The Next Simon Lessing. Looks like a tall Harry Potter.
Bevan Docherty (NZL) 4-1
The 2004 ITU World Champion, 2004 Olympic silver medalist and 2008 Olym;pic bronze medalist looks strong early season, whipped Kahlefeldt at Tongyeong. Wants to erase memories of bronze at Beijing.
Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 5-1
Sticksie, as his Aussie mates know him, lost a finish line duel to Bevan Docherty at Round 1. Kahlefeldt is coming down from altitude in Boulder and reportedly is fully on his game.
Simon Whitfield (CAN) 6-1
First big hit out for 2009. Beijing Olympic silver medalist looks fit, happy and ready to unleash his run.
Javier Gomez (ESP) 7-1
2008 World Champ still recovering from Achilles that left him disappointed 4th at Beijing – and from subsequent stress fracture. Still got third at 90 percent in Madrid, on way back to top form.
Greg Bennett (AUS) 8-1
First hit out for 2009. Is he ready? If so, Life Time Fitness series double champ is Mr. Clutch.
Matt Reed (USA) 9-1
Won Oceanside 70.3, Pan Ams in Oklahoma, run is one of best in business.
Jan Frodeno (GER) 10-1
Beijing Olympic champ took a long off season and lost his swim. Hence a second pack disappointment in Madrid. Will be back, but not this week.
Hunter Kemper (USA) 11-1
USA's top Olympian overcame injuries and took 7th in Beijing. Clutch on biggest US stages, might podium.
Andy Potts (USA) 12-1
Coming off wins at St. Anthony's and third career Escape From Alcatraz title. Does he still have enough speed with increased focus on Hawaii?
THE FIELD 20-1
Maik Petzold, Tim Don, Daniel Unger, Reinaldo Colucci, Stuart Hayes, Jarrod Shoemaker, Danylo Sapunov and Laurent Vidal all have puncher's chances for the podium.
