MR500 Predictions

[leet]

I don't think there really can be any "predictions" for any race. Perhaps except for long distance races like SDBF.

But well, based on how Regatta 2009 ended, here's my 2 cents worth:

Tertiary

NTU - Sent a small team during regatta but didnt perform, but sure that their main 20 will be pretty powerful.

NUS - Didnt appear at regatta.

SIM - Very strong contender. Grabbing 3 golds during regatta, will be looking forward to seeing if they can repeat the feat at MR.

NYP - Emerged as the top poly mens team after regatta. their unimpressive juniors have Big seats to fill as their graduating boys leave.

RP - Still a contender, will have to make up for their loss during regatta. from champions to dark horses?

NP - Stayed stagnant since June 09, nothing much to be remembered. hopefully their coach does not again stand up on the drummer's seat and shout that they're in first place (when they're Obviously NOT) immediately when their nose crosses the finish line.

SP - Missing silverware for the whole of 2009. Extremely disappointing show at regatta.

TP - Still needs time to develop into a strong team. might pull off an upset, who knows.

[hut hut hut!!]

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[upxzx]

IT DOESNT MATTER!!

[Rocket]

My take on the Uni big boys:

SIM will come up stronger this MR if they are participating after sweeping away Mens Open and Tertiary Mens in last Regatta. Have also seen them performing in the Penang race last Dec, they are in a very good shape. If anyone were to give NTU a run for their money, it would be SIM, no one else.

NUS will get their pride back in coming MR 500 with their alternate-day morning sea trainings! Just wait and see.

SMU is not participating due to their involvement in the organizing committee.

NTU: no comments.

[Bo Liao]

my take, your take, my 2 cents worth...

Get a life.

The effort people are putting in for training is definitely worth more than your 2 cents worth and whatever a team is going through is none of your business (unless its your own team). Spend more time training with/for your team instead. Keep your opinions to yourself because honestly, when this race is over, no one cares.

~Bo Liao~

[Placid]

my take, your take, my 2 cents worth...

Get a life.

The effort people are putting in for training is definitely worth more than your 2 cents worth and whatever a team is going through is none of your business (unless its your own team). Spend more time training with/for your team instead. Keep your opinions to yourself because honestly, when this race is over, no one cares.

~Bo Liao~

An abrasive comment that is not without merit. Often times these predictions only confuse the picture and I dare surmise are based largely on hear-say, rumours and assumptions.

Generating talk and predictions is not a new practice. Before a race (whether it is MR500, the Olympics, or even the Oscars) people will definitely chatter and guess who will walk away the champion, who will break the OR, who will get Best Director etc. However these predictions should be based on objective assessment. It is rather obvious that some of those who write these predictions are related/affiliated/belong to the teams in question, or have an axe to grind with an opposing team.

Bottom line is, everyone seems to be training hard now, so let's keep our eyes peeled next weekend to see who walks away with the Gold. Then let's do the talking.

[hut hut hut!!]

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[MrPaddleshop]

I think there is just too much subjective argumentation in this thread that begs the question of whether the teams that will be racing will put on the best show for the crowd. Unfortunately, based on my limited knowledge and information from various paddlers within the dragonboat fraternity, things may not be looking up for some of the teams.

All the Uni teams are facing substantial difficulties keeping their paddlers together for various reasons ever since the last regatta and you can be sure that they will only put on a sub-par performance in the coming MR500.

Most teams would not have reached their anaerobic training phases since many would want to concentrate on their strength conditioning/technique checking phase. They would not be at their peak in any case and if by any standard, clocking a 2:05 (mens 20 crew) would be considered very good by this stage.

I'm not discarding the fact, that they would be teams that will prove me wrong but then it really depends on whether timing or placing is important to these teams. Well, if I were paddling for any of these Uni teams, I'd have to make sure my team is on the right track clocking a considerably consistent timing for all the sets that we go down for. Too big a difference for any of the sets would be need some rectifying from the coach and paddlers.

I personally think we should as local paddlers aim to reach higher goals; timings that the Camsur dragons are clocking. It would only serve to help the sport to gain recognition faster in the local community. Rather than looking at MR500 as another horse race, we should be looking at how else they can match up to Camsur, PacWest or even our very own National team. This is one of the ways to bring the sport to a new level.. That will be something I will look forward to:)

[whack it hard]

You CANT stay at your peak thru-out the season.
Most decent coach and team will want to focus and let the team peak @ the right time which is
Singapore Dragonboat Festival and Singapore River Regatta!!

What is MR500???        

[DBrocks]

MR500 race schedule is out. some heats are definitely like finals.