Photo Credit: Jordan Bryden 2010
Here in Kona things are heating up- and for once it’s not the weather. With a modest 84 degrees Fahrenheit and cloud cover expected on race day, times may be fast- but the competition will still be more than steep. After getting to see the athletes prepping in training (and energy draining sponsor commitments) all week I have come up with a list of who I think will do well on the day. Here are the pre-race picks!
MEN’S RACE
Craig Alexander
Crowie is consistent and still has the fire of a World Championship win in his belly. He looked cool and relaxed in the final 10 km at Vegas and now I think he ready to unleash a more aggressive side. With new bike and swim sponsors- he might looking to prove himself. Don’t think about Macca’s comments from last year. Craig is the type of guy that listens to everything and learns.
Andreas Raleart
A very close 2nd pick is Raleart. The only reason he wasn’t my top pick is due to his missed racing time with a injury earlier this season. However this could mean a recovered athlete who could be dangerous in the bike AND run.
Marino Vanhoenacker
Marino is now the World Record holder with a 7:45 race time at this year’s Austria Ironman. The headwinds on the coure could allow him to put time into rivals. Don’t forget he was the bronze medalist in 2011. Don’t count him out with a 2:39 « off the bike » marathon this year.
Others who are looking good in trainin: Rasmus Henning, Eneko Llanos, Raynard Tissink, Chris Lieto
WOMEN’S RACE
As much as I love to watch the men’s race I am even more excited to see this years women’s race goes down. The big three (Chrissy, Rinny and Dibs) are all looking unbelievably fit! Van Vlerken, Corbin and Steffen are going to be waiting in the shadows for someone to slip up just a little.
Miranda Carfrae
While most people would never bet against a “fired up” Chrissie, I feel that Miranda might take the win again this year. She has the experience of last years win behind her, and her bike ability is improving steadily. I think the constant reminders that “Chirissie would have won if she raced” has pushed Miranda’s envelope. She may be able to outrun everyone by at least 7 minutes. Bike speed will – however – be crucial.
Chrissie Wellington
If the women’s world record is going to fall- she is the woman who will most likely do it. A bike crash a few weeks ago may have left some unsightly road rash, but it didn’t deter the smiling face! The word unstoppable usually comes to mind! If she is “on” she will probably beat the majority of the men’s pro field.
Julie Dibens
“Dibs” has been quiet in the past couple months. Almost too quiet. It’s scary to watch the entire British team this year. Julie is one of the most well rounded triathletes on the IM circuit. A 70.3 and Xterra World Champion has added “Ironman Champion to her resume after winning Cour D’Alene in 2011.
Other fast feet who might make the podium: Linsey Corbin, Carolin Steffen, Yvonne Van Vlerken