Ironman goes worldwide this weekend
Thursday, 22 May 2008 11:29
There are two Ironman races this weekend. Both have good professional fields mainly from Europe. Lanzarote is known as one of the hardest races in the Ironman world. It's desolate and volcanic and there is not a lot to see. Now where have we seen that description before? Lanzarote is known as the Hawaii of Europe and so it is a little surprising there are not more North American and Australian professionals there to race.
This may be due to popularity of the 70.3 series. Athletes are flocking to race the 70.3 series and see it as more sustainable on their bodies and a better earner in terms of money and sponsorship. The 70.3 series also has a world title on offer now and this would be alluring to some athletes to be known as a World Champion, therefore the need to speacialise. Plus the abundance of 70.3 races manes there is no shortage of events to race. Ironman is not suffering because of this but certainly athletes are being a lot more particular about when and where they race.
This weekend also sees Brazil playing host to its' annual Ironman race. Brazil has seen some epic races including the Galindez - Bell showdown that saw Bell run down in the last few kilometres. The professional field in Brazil is around 38 athletes strong whereas Lanzarote has around 22. The women's fields are a little smaller.
So the job of picking who will win this weekend is a bit tougher but we love a challenge. Brazil IM will be won by Oscar Galindez and Hilary Biscay whereas IM Lanzarote will be won by Tara Norton and Ain Alar Juhansen.
