BackPROS DESCEND ON BUFFALO CITY AHEAD OF RACE DAY

The PRO athletes descended on East London in full force today ahead of the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa on Sunday. The PRO Race Press Conference, held at the Kennaway Hotel, allowed the press to glean valuable pre-race day tactics from the athletes and get them to share their race aspirations.

Proceedings opened with a welcome by the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City, Cllr Faku who ceremonially gave the athletes the “Freedom of the City”. Title sponsor Spec-Savers’ Marketing Manager Rosa Maartens was quick to point out that race day was about the athletes and fulfilling their dreams Triangle SA’s Director Mandla Madwara thanked the sponsors and the City for opening their arms and hearts to the event.

With Raynard Tissink, the reigning champion, out with an ankle injury the door has opened for a new athlete to step in and fill his shoes. Local athlete James Cunnama (RSA) is tipped to be the one to do so and is in excellent form. Cunnama completed his first full year as a PRO in 2009 and enjoyed considerable success. His strongest opposition will come from UK athlete Fraser Cartmell. Cartmell has raced here twice before and moved from third to second place in 2009 and would like to get his season off to a good start with a win here in East London. His pre-season training took place in Stellenbosch and his plan for Sunday is to race as hard as he can. Kent Horner (RSA) raced his first Ironman 70.3 distance race at the 2009 event, finishing in fifth place, is eager to move up into a podium position. Now married to Claire Kinsley (RSA) he says having a partner who understands the sport is definitely an advantage.

Lucie Zelenkova (CZE) is back to defend her title and was open about the fact that her biggest threat would be in the form of German athlete Sandra Wallenhorst. She says her race tactic is to build up as big a lead in the swim as possible as she knows Sandra is an excellent runner. As Lucie says, “It will all come down to the run and if the weather is good I am sure the record will be broken!” Wallenhorst has been in town for the past two weeks and is aiming for a win here and hopes to curb Lucie building up too big a lead in the water. Heleen Bij de Vaate (NLD) has been injured for the past six months and is eager to re-build her strength and is equally determined to maintain a podium finish. Claire Horner (RSA) wasn’t intimidated by the strong ladies field as she believe, firstly, that anything can happen on race day, and secondly, that the best person on the day will claim the title.

The race starts at 07h00 at Orient Beach in East London on Sunday, 17^th January with the first athletes expected in around 11h00. Race day highlights will be featured on our website http://www.ironman703.co.za/.