|
|
|
Big
Names Head to Ironman China
Ironman China looks set to have a competitive pool of professional
triathletes competing for the $50,000 prize purse.
 Amongst
the world’s leading triathletes confirmed to participate is
Australian Belinda Granger, fresh from setting a new course record
at Ironman Malaysia. Consistently ranked in the global top ten, and
with both 70.3 and Ironman crowns in 2007, Ironman China will mark
Granger’s 27th Ironman.
Three times Ironman Champion, Ute Mueckel from Germany, and fellow
Aussie Jo King are some of the Ironman leading ladies lined up to
challenge Granger on 20 April. Former World Triathlon Champion, Jo
King, is working her way back to the top, after a 3 year sabbatical
from the sport. Both King and Mueckel have the pedigree and
experience to challenge Granger over what is expected to be a fast
course in Haikou.
Whilst Granger may be the over-whelming favorite in the women’s pro
race, the men’s field is loaded with talent but is without a clear
favorite. Perhaps the most talented of the men is Australian
Olympian Craig Walton who is moving up to full Ironman distance.
Walton, who is considered the best swimmer-cyclist in the sport,
will likely be looking to open up a big lead before he heads out on
the Ironman marathon run where he is an unknown quantity.
 Walton’s
early challenger is expected to be Mathieu O’Halloran, a 22 year old
Canadian who was first out of the swim at Ironman Malaysia last
month. O’Halloran finished 4th in his debut Ironman.
Lurking behind these two probable early race leaders will be
two-times Ironman Brazil Champion, Olaf Sabatschus, the most
experienced athlete in the men’s field and something of a German
legend. After a short break from triathlon to battle illness,
Sabatschus proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with by
taking 3rd place at Ironman Korea in August 2007.
Another athlete to watch for is American Tim Marr who finished just
behind Sabatschus in Korea. Marr is a solid performer who can handle
very hot conditions.
Ironman China will be held in
the Southern China Island of Hainan and its capitol city Haikou on
April 20, 2008. Event information at
http://www.ironmanchina.com
|
|
