Ironman Frankfurt & Austria Preview
Both go Sunday July 4.
Ironman European Championship Preview
The men’s field for Sunday’s race in Frankfurt, Germany is stacked to say the least. Germany’s Timo Bracht returns to defend his title (he also won here in 2007) and he will be joined by some of the biggest names in the sport, many who are former winners of this race. Australia’s Chris McCormack (2007 Ironman World Champion and a winner here in 2008), New Zealand’s Cameron Brown (a winner here in 2006 and winner of Ironman New Zealand this year), Germany’s Andreas Raelert (third at the Ironman World Championships, and 2008 Ironman Arizona Champion), and New Caledonia’s Patrick Vernay (a four-time Ironman Australia winner).
In the women’s race it will be a rematch between Germany’s Sandra Wallenhorst and Yvonne Van Vlerken (NED). Van Vlerken will seek to get revenge for Wallenhorst outrunning her for the title last year. And you can’t count out New Zealand’s Joanna Lawn, Germany’s Nicole Leder (a winner here in 2007), and Andrea Steinbecher (a winner here in 2006).
Ironman Austria Preview
The UK’s Bella Bayliss will try to defend her title in Klagenfurt, Austria on Sunday. Looking to stop her from doing that will be Eva Dollinger (fourth last year), Kathrin Paetzold, and Rebecca Preston.
Belgian Marino Vanhoenacker will attempt to make it five wins in a row at Ironman Austria in Klagenfurt. Trying to stop that drive for five will be James Cunnama (second last year), Stephen Bayliss, Massimo Cigana, Marcus Fachbach, Norbert Langbrandtner, and Teemu Toivanen.
