By Grumpy
Men:
Massimo Cigana (ITA) :15-1
Last year winner Cigana proved no other significant race results last year.
This year he will face extra challenges. Can he repeat his win again? I do not think so-
in my agenda he has no chance anymore (with me) … L
Chris McCormack (AUS) : 3-1
1 times Hawaii winner, all around athlete. Can he climb well with his all round shape?
Did he find time and energy between traveling and competing races all around the globe this season?
Expect him playing the game and go for it!
Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL) : 2-1
The tall Belgian would be the hardest competition for our Stephen Bayliss, in the skinniest legs category.
Do not be deceived by the fragile sticks, the former duathlete learnt to swim and brought his killer bike and run leg into the world of long distance triathlons. Can he take on Macca? I hope so.
He is my favorite to win.
Jozsef Major (HUN) : 9-1
The best Hungarian this year improved his weaknesses, both on swim and bike. Expect him have a bath-giving some advantage for the big guns- then chasing down the filed. His small frame could be a weapon in this hilly course.
Joe, make Hungary proud!
James Cunnama (RSA): 12-1
With similar strengths like Major -against their opposite body built- with a great courage, he can run his way up into top 5. No pressure on you boy, but if you do not make it, you will ride till Lesyin….I could bring the luggage…
Rip it James!
Females:
Gina Ferguson (NZL): 4-1
This girl has a multi talent. While she is “all round” triathlete with no weaknesses, she also has brain between her ears: a pro violin player, ex match teacher!
Expect her making a duo with Lucie Zelenkova on the bike and go for it on the run.
Watch out girls- this lady won her last 3 iron distance races- she will play your tunes J
Lucie Zelenkova (CZE): 4-1
Our “Big Smile” Lucie moved to South Africa to train among lions. A cat lover.
Her win at South-Africa 70.3 and IM with course record is deceiving….achieved in home-courses, she is suspected knowing the shorter way
Expect her swimming away from fellow girls on the feet of the guys, then leading the field on the bike. Since she put on the pink suit she developed an annoying habit : after her killer swim-bike combo she tends to forget herself in the front and take it home….
Tamara Kozulina (UKR): 6-1
Another blond eastern block girl.
After winning Strongman in Japan she is back in Europe and action. Let’s hope she still suffering from jet lag
Sandra Wallenhorst (GER) : 4-1
Last year’s biggest surprise is a Mom of 2 years old boy!
After finishing 3rd in St.Polten (the Van Vlerken-Csomor duo let her break away on the bike not knowing who is this girl, then they regret it) she won Klagenfurt with world’s third fastest iron distance time. (The second belong to Csomor, the difference is only 20 seconds. Well known fact that Klagenfurt course is “faster” then Roth course)
On Hawaii with a blistering running she finished 3rd.
Expect her making a chasing duo with Csomor on the bike, better to hurry up girls: only the wines getting better with age
Erika Csomor (HUN): 5-1
Winner of this race in 2007 (with a 1:18 half marathon), second in 2008 to the fastest iron distance lady, she is only missing the bronze from the collection. She does not want to collect it…
She started her season with plenty of bad lucks.
Finally she recovered from her swine flu, released her bike from the intensive care (now it is bomb proof) so no more excuses Miss Coco, it is time to show something…
Expect her leaving the water wet and chasing hard the leaders with Sandra in her wing.
There is no fairy tale, the fastest runner will win.
Certainly, she is MY favorite…. J