Busso half heats up

Thursday, 01 May 2008 10:43

This weekend sees more racing in the Australian Half Ironman Series. And Busselton Western Australia will play host to this round. Known as "Busso" this course is flat with the biggest climb being the speed hump out of transition. But does that make it any easier? The science boffins could have a field day with this but more importantly Busso is a great day out and a course that, as has been proven, can show some teeth if the wind gets up. The numbers for the race look good going over 950 which is a great turn out for this time of the year. This proves that the Half Ironman and Ironman racing in Australia is very much alive and kicking.

The men's field boasts 18 professionals that will take on the race. The standout is Mitch Anderson. Last year Mitch went full time as a professional ditching the white coat for a lycra suit. He will, or should, win this by a mile. These are the sorts of races he needs to smash in order to keep the balance and harmony of his sponsors and the mindset that accompanies being a full time athlete. Pete Jacobs and Jason Shortis are also thereabouts but it should be the flying doctor's day. The rest of the field, to borrow a Paul Sherwinism will need to "open the suitcase of courage" to attempt to get onto the podium for this one.

Charlotte Paul returns to Western Australia with a title in her pocket and the knowledge tha she is the fastest runner in the field. Lisa Marangon will be good company for the journey on the bike but once the feet hit the tarmac it will be all over. Charlotte's speed is world class and it is hard to see her getting outrun. Victorian Kelly Jarrett should be an interesting study in this race. Can she live up to the dreaded 'potential' tag?

So, here we go for our Fearless Predictions for the Busselton Half Ironman:

Men