Sean and I compiled what we consider the race favorites and dark horses for both the men's and women's Little 500 this weekend. Feel free to discuss...these are just some thoughts...
MEN'S RACE
Nathan's Favorites:
Cutters: Despite some roster turnover, the Cutters are as strong as ever. Three in a row is difficult - only two other teams have done it. But people wear "Stop Cutters" shirts for a reason - they're the enemy only because they're good.
Phi Gamma Delta: FIJI looked good all spring series and won the white jersey. Not having won since 1995, the pressure continues to mount every year. Freshman David Ellis has provided a spark, finishing 4th in ITTs.
Nathan's Dark Horse:
Delta Upsilon: They needed three attempts to qualify and settled for the 23rd position. Is this too much to make up? Probably. But if DU can avoid the inevitable early-lap crash and work its way up to the front, anything is possible (hmm...like Kevin Garnett...). David Richardson-Rossbach has plenty of talent, winning the Miss 'N Out and finishing 6th in ITTs.
Sean's Favorites:
Phi Gamma Delta: After taking the white jersey and showing a lot of strength all around this year, I think it is FIJI's time to perform.
Cutters: While their rookies have something to prove, Clayton Feldman and Eric Young could carry this team to victory.
Phi Delta Theta: Another team that has performed well in all spring series events and looks like it has the experience to carry the field.
Sean's Dark Horse:
Gray Goat Cycling: Zach Trogdon adds a lot to this team, and the experience of the Kiel brothers makes them a top competitor.
WOMEN'S RACE
Sean's Favorites:
Kappa Alpha Theta: One of the strongest teams in the field and the winners of the white jersey, Theta has a deep and experienced team that looks like a championship contender.
Teter: After claiming the pole three years in a row, I think this team has the experience and desire to finally claim the top spot.
Wing It: While they are down a rider, Kristi Hewitt is capable of carrying this team, and Jaime Boswell is no slouch, either. Look for Kristi to prove she is the strongest rider in the field.
Sean's Dark Horse:
Delta Gamma: This team has a lot of strong riders but may lack the depth to be the winner on the day. If they are in it for the final lap, their sprinters may be able to get it done.
Nathan's Favorites:
Teter: If they don't win this year, senior Jackie Moeller will be very disappointed. She's the only current member to have endured two previous second-place finishes. The team has three strong riders in Moeller, Julie Bembenista and Caitlin Van Kooten - enough to win on race day.
Kappa Delta: One of the field's deepest teams, KD had four riders finish in the top 40 in ITTs. If Julie Panzica is operating at 100 percent on race day, this team is dangerous. Even if Panzica is not at her best, Jennifer Balbach, Jenna Cerone and Katie LaPlant still make up a formidable roster.
Nathan's Dark Horse:
Army Women: Starting third ought to make a team a favorite, but Army Women have been flying under the radar all season. If KD's depth is its strength, Army Women's might be even better. While lacking a top sprinter, five of the team's six riders finished in the top 40 in ITTs.
What are your thoughts? Feel free to completely disagree with us! Also, if you haven't already, there's still time to pick up today's edition of the IDS, which includes a 24-page special section on the Little 500.
