Big Names Head to Ironman China

Haikou, 3 March 2008 - 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 favourite in the women’s pro race, the men’s field is loaded with talent but is without a clear favourite. 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.




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