"Connor Mantz checks those boxes that we talked about, he's in the prime of his career. He's in great form. He's proven himself in tactical races, championship style races. He's proven himself on hilly courses. He's got all the tools. I think he has a chance. I think he has a real chance. It would not shock me if he won".
And in case you haven't been on the homepage this week Ben Rosario is advertising the Flagstsaff Coaching Clinic with Mike Smith and Greg McMillan in July. Details here:
I expect Conner to be burn himself out responding to every move, not wanting this to be another Paris where he didn't stick with it long enough. It will be a war of attrition and the smart runners will make it through. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clayton pass him.
I’m confused why are you talking with Ben Rosario about Mantz’s prospects in Boston. I thought Ed Eyestone is Mantz’s coach. Wouldn’t Eyestone be the better person to ask about Mantz?
I expect Conner to be burn himself out responding to every move, not wanting this to be another Paris where he didn't stick with it long enough. It will be a war of attrition and the smart runners will make it through. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clayton pass him.
I am hopeful, it's a conservative start ~ like a 62:30-64:00 first half. If that's the case it shifts into more of a half marathon type prospect. I trust Conner's wheels against Chebet at this stage. Kipchumba like Mantz hasn't really put it fully together in the full. Kotut isn't a great kicker, and I like Mantz's speed vs. Albert Korir as well. Kiplangat and Mateiko have been erratic in their recent full marathons.
The hardest guys I see him beating are Lemma and John Korir. Korir is an absolute beast who could do the same playbook as Chicago ~ big move the last 5-6 miles. Lemma is a monster, though maybe he's not 100%.
I expect Conner to be burn himself out responding to every move, not wanting this to be another Paris where he didn't stick with it long enough. It will be a war of attrition and the smart runners will make it through. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clayton pass him.
I am hopeful, it's a conservative start ~ like a 62:30-64:00 first half. If that's the case it shifts into more of a half marathon type prospect. I trust Conner's wheels against Chebet at this stage. Kipchumba like Mantz hasn't really put it fully together in the full. Kotut isn't a great kicker, and I like Mantz's speed vs. Albert Korir as well. Kiplangat and Mateiko have been erratic in their recent full marathons.
The hardest guys I see him beating are Lemma and John Korir. Korir is an absolute beast who could do the same playbook as Chicago ~ big move the last 5-6 miles. Lemma is a monster, though maybe he's not 100%.
Connor was 8th in the Olympics. If those 7 ahead of him don't show up, I'd say he has a great chance of winning.
If Kenya was allowed to enter everyone with the Olympic standard and not just three guys, Mantz would have finished like 50th. They have six guys racing Boston plus Ethiopia has four, Mantz doesn't have a chance.
I'd put Mantz's chances of winning somewhere around 10-15%, which is more than I'd have guessed a year ago. He's been in great form lately. It's shaping up to be a very exciting Boston year.