Team TBB & Team HiPER3 Headline Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Shootout
The 2008 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore triathlon has become the arena for a
new phenomenon in the world of Ironman, with the emergence of a super team
shoot out in Singapore between established Team TBB and the all new super
team, Team HiPER3.
With Team TBB fronting both defending champions from 2007, and HiPer3
challenging with world champions, Olympians and some impressive Ironman
athletes, the contenders for race honours set the scene for September 7th as
the "Sizzler in Singapore..."
The 'Sizzler' that is the Aviva Ironman 70.3 in Singapore is set to see "two
tribes go to war" as Team TBB lines up with their 2007 champs, Reinaldo
Colucci and Belinda Granger headlining Team TBB. Lining up for Team HiPer3
is three time World Champion and Olympian, Peter Robertson, fellow
Australian Olympian and national Long distance champion, Simon Thompson and
multi-Ironman podium place getter, Peter Jacobs plus a quartet of younger
but experienced athletes.
Team Manager and British pro racer, Ryan O'Neill says there's a special
reason for debuting this team of champions in Singapore.
"Every now and then something comes along that changes people's perception
of what is possible. We at HiPer3 feel that the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore
has already changed people's perception of Triathlon across the Asian
region. It has set the bench mark that all other 70.3 races should aspire to
reach." He said at the team launch in Sydney, Australia.
O'Neill added, "It is only fitting then, that HiPer3 uses this event to
change another perception. The dynamic of triathlon has long since been that
it is an individual racing for their own goals and rewards. We will be
bringing a concept that looks to bring a number of potential winners to a
race that will not only look for individual glory but have a focus on a
wider goal of team success."
"We have selected a range of athletes from Olympians, World Champions, and
National Champions through to those athletes with high development
potential. This team has been constructed to help with not only the initial
success of the athletes in the team but for the very future of the sport
that we love and race in".
Commencing with the 2008 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore, HiPer3 has chosen
seven carefully selected M-dot races around the world, with one aim. "Our
aim is to create global awareness of not just triathlon but to encourage a
healthier balance for the global community at large." says O'Neill.
It's a massive shot in the arm for the race that in 2007 saw Team TBB debut,
with stunning success, as Belinda Granger won the Women's Elite Category.
Granger in this year alone has now won Ironman Malaysia, Ironman China and
now Ironman Canada plus Ironman 70.3 Antwerp and turns her steely resolve
now to Singapore!
2008 champion, Brazil's Reinaldo Colucci is also back to defend his Aviva
Ironman 70.3 title and he's hungry for some long distance results following
his year-long Olympic campaign! And that in itself may be a warning to the
new Aussie super team that is HiPer3 that the Aviva Ironman 70.3 race may be
hard to conquer, as Team TBB has also strong back up in Justin Granger and
Canada's Mathew O'Halloran.
And outside of the two super teams there's a few athletes heading to
Singapore who may be set to rain on the big Team parade.
Foremost amongst these athletes is speedy Kiwi, New Zealand's Terrenzo
Bozzone who is seeded second in the field for the race but many experts rate
the man to beat in 08!
The remarkable Kiwi is having a huge year on the Ironman 70.3 circuit, with
some super wins and places while country woman, Gina Ferguson, has also
assembled equally impeccable credentials. On the women's side add in Aussies
Rebekah Keat and Ali Fitch, and Japan's Naomi Imaizumi and there's a
formidable range of Ironman and Ironman 70.3 winners and podium place
getters ready to step up in Singapore!
On the men's side Ironman Canada winner, Kiwi Bryan Rhodes and Australia's
Luke McKenzie also have Ironman wins this season, and Germany's Uwe Widmann
is having a stellar season also.
In total there's 30 elite athletes vying for a record prize purse of $50,000
USD and near 1500 age groupers, all looking to aspire to the challenge and
journey that is the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore, and making it to the
finish line, joining the Ironman family and taking home their Finisher's
medal, towel and finisher's shirt!
The 1.9km swim, 90.1km ride and 21km run (the distance makes up 70.3 miles
hence the name) triathlon features athletes from 51 countries, with ages
ranging from 19 - 74!
The second edition of the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore is certainly set to
impress, with organisers, Hi-Tri rising to the occasion, with an all new
two-lap swim course (the beach is brand new!), a super freeway based high
speed ride over three laps, and a shaded multi lap run that is sure to be a
huge hit with everyone.
Add in the Industry Challenge for individuals; the Corporate Team Challenge
and here is a race for everyone!
For further information log into www.ironman703singapore.com.
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