By Michael Flanagan
The day of reckoning edges ever closer as the field for the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa takes shape with entries now officially closed. A record field of over 1800 athletes will descend upon Nelson Mandela Bay this April. The hype and fanfare all stems down to the talent on the starting line come April the 25th. Among those will be South African favourite and local boy, Raynard Tissink (RSA) and defending women's champion, Lucie Zelenkova (CZE). Both athletes have been tearing up the tracks elsewhere on the globe and will be hoping to thrill the crowds by standing atop the podium.
Raynard, who emerged victorious in 2005, would want to avoid a repeat of last year's race where he was forced to withdraw due to an undetected asthma problem. He was forced to withdraw from the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 in Buffalo City due to an ankle injury and will be striving for full fitness in order to challenge for the top honours and with it, hometown glory. Since last year he has managed to put an impressive run of form together resulting in a win at Ironman Wisconsin, a 3rd at Ironman Louisville and 8th at Ironman Florida. The mercurial Czech, Lucie finished 3rd at the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 not before notching up a 2nd place finish at Ironman 70.3 St Polten, a 3rd at Ironman Austria and 4th places at both the Ironman 70.3 Antwerp and Singapore before competing at the Ironman World Championships.
This year's event is certainly far from cut and dried with the strong PRO field keeping their eyes firmly fixed on the prize. 2008 champion, Stephen Bayliss (GBR) returns with the hopes of a repeat performance that saw him crowned champion. Another local hero James Cunnama (RSA), who was the first South African finisher at the 2009 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa and 2nd at the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa, will be aiming to make a big impression after a 2nd place at Ironman Austria, 3rd at both Embrunman and the Alpe D'Huez in France with another 2nd at Kraichgua in Germany. He rounded the year off by competing in his first ever Ironman World Championships after qualifying with his 2nd place at Ironman Austria.
Others to be on the look out for are two-time Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa winner, Gerrit Schellens (BEL) who had some epic battles with Raynard to take the 2006 and 2007 titles, and Mathias Hecht (SUI) who finished 13th at the Ironman World Championships. Gerrit has returned twice to defend his title but had to withdraw due to late injuries and is planning to retire after this year's event. He will be hoping to bow out of the game on the ultimate high by being crowned champion for an unprecedented third time. One cannot discount the challenge of perennial performer, Brad Storm (RSA) who finished 3rd at the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa.
The ladies can expect a gruelling contest with the main challenge coming from 2008 champion, Bella Bayliss (GBR) and last year's runner up, Sonja Tajsich (GER). The tough Briton was forced to withdraw from last year's race due to heat exhaustion and will be itching to get her hands on the winner's medal once again, while Tajsich had a solid race finishing 2nd. South African, Caroline Koll, who finished 5th at last year's Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa, will be flying the South African flag high while going for the top spot.
An already eagerly anticipated date, race day promises to take spectators on a ride of thrills, excitement and emotions as the strong field of PRO athletes makes for a mouth watering contest. With the PRO athletes out in force, throw three former men's champions into the mix, and whatever the outcome, this is one that is surely not to be missed.
James Cunnama at the finish line - Photo credit: Gernot Gleiss
Spec -- Savers Ironman South Africa
25th April 2010
3.8km SWIM | 180km CYCLE | 42.2km RUN
30 qualifying slots for the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii
www.ironmansouthafrica.com
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