Monroe CC - June 26th

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This race features a swimmers field with many top ITU swimmers listed. Late addition Kemper (USA) throws a different perspective into the mix as well.
Similar to what happened with the 'Whitfield' factor at San Francisco CC 2009, many athletes will try to do as Kemper does for as long as possible.

Wetsuits are probable with air temperatures cooling down overnight and daytime highs in the teens. Wetsuits will favour strength swimmers and this field has many. Still, expect McLarty (USA) to lead out with Darling (USA), Zarferes (USA) and McCartney (CAN) close to follow.

Depending on where Kemper (USA) is out of the water, T2 and a clean wetsuit removal may be critical to make that train. Expect Kemper (USA) to be looking for a 'good workout' across the board, so a solid bike from the get-go should be anticipated. Collins (USA), Sexton (USA), Bird (CAN), Russell (CAN), Fleischmann (USA) and others will also be looking to establish a select front group to maximize the potential for a good result.

A course with 3x180's per lap will offer quite a lot of surging. Athletes who can tolerate wattage spikes best will benefit come the run.

No one will challenge Kemper (USA) for the win. The other two podium steps will be closely contested though. Sexton (USA), Collins (USA), McCartney (CAN), Russell (CAN) should scrap it out for those spots.

Darkhorses: Bird (CAN), Long (USA)