Naeth looks to Defend title at Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake

Fresh off her win in Kona at Ironman 70. 3 Hawaii, Angela Naeth is ready to defend her title at Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake in Lubbock Texas this weekend. This could be her third win of the season since Naeth also won Panama 70.3 earlier this year. In 2013, Naeth won in Texas in a time of 4:16:08–five minutes ahead of second place Laura Bennet. Naeth  told TMC she is looking forward to testing herself this weekend, “Buffalo Springs 70.3 is one of those races where the elements can beat you up. The heat is oppressive and the winds can be crazy strong. I’ve been going to this race a few years now and every time I cross the line I tell myself – never again! But then five minutes goes by and I’m ready to sign up again. It’s a tough, honest course in the midst of Texas summer. Coming back to defend my title is always exciting and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

On the men’s side Canada’s Elliot Holtham is on the start list as is American Jesse Thomas—fresh off his win at Mont-Tremblant 70.3 last weekend. They will be joined at the front by American all star Jordan Rapp, Leon Griffen and Brandon Marsh.

The  hot humid conditions in Texas make the Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs a great test run for the Ironman World Championship in Kona. The 2 km beach start swim takes place over a rectangular, counter-clockwise course in Buffalo Springs Lake. A convenient T1 is only 25 meters from the beach and the bike segment takes competitors through farmland over a tough but scenic course. The run finishes back at the lake. On offer for age groupers are 40 qualifying slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Mont-Tremblant in September.