Men's Pro Field

1 Raynard Tissink South Africa
2 Marino Vanhoenacker Belgium
3 Rutger Beke Belgium
4 Daniel Fontana Italy
5 Jason Shortis Australia
6 James Cunnama South Africa
7 Luke Bell Australia
8 Dominik Berger Austria
9 Marcel Bischof Germany
10 Andreas Böcherer Germany
11 Balazs Csoke Hungary
12 Trevor Delsaut France
13 Erich Felbabel France
14 Bryn Freeman South Africa
15 Michael Göhner Germany
16 Kent Horner South Africa
18 Freddy Lampret South Africa
19 Cedric Largajolli France
21 Sergio Marques Portugal
22 Toby Radcliffe England
23 Dave Rost Netherlands
24 Gilad Rotem Israel
25 Mike Schifferle Switzerland
26 Heinrich Sickl Austria
27 Erik-Simon Strijk Netherlands
28 Eduardo Sturla Argentina
29 Swen Sundberg Germany
30 Craig Twigg England
31 Petr Vabrousek Czech Republic
32 Cyril Viennot France
33 Patrick Wallimann Switzerland
34 Uwe Widmann Germany
17 Bert Jammer - Belgium
20 Tom Lowe - England

A female Pro Lineup Sure to Provide Lots of Excitement

Michael Flanagan previews this weekend's women's race at Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa

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Pre-Race Press Conference an Appetiser for the 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa
By Claire Dullisear

With excitement building, the atmosphere was electric at the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa Pre-Race Press Conference which was held at The Beach Hotel on the 8th of April 2011.

The Press Conference was attended by fourteen of the world’s foremost Ironman athletes, made up of seven male PRO athletes with the likes of local hero, Raynard Tissink (RSA), and Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL) and seven female PRO athletes consisting of, among others, Natascha Badmann (SUI) and Chrissie Wellington (GBR), just to name a few.

Paul Kaye, the announcer for this prestigious event, highlighted the excitement of the race by stating that this year’s event consists of the “best PRO-field in the world” and that it is definitely going to be one to remember. Kaye also emphasised how everyone seated in the conference room were in the “presence of greatness” and that “gooseflesh” will most certainly be felt by all in attendance at the start of this world renowned event.

The stakes are definitely set high this year as 1745 athletes will be competing in the challenge consisting of 81 %male athletes and 19 %female athletes. Each athlete will be competing for one of 30 slots to the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii later this year.

Amongst fourteen of the world’s best was Diana Riesler (GER), who’s petite body was definitely a blindside to the strength this little woman holds. Riesler said that she is really proud to race amongst a group of such strong female athletes and that she looks forward to competing in the race on Sunday. Amanda Stevens (USA), a qualified doctor and PRO athlete, said that “[she’s] going to go out there and give it [her] all because this event is such a great experience.” When asked how she juggles being a doctor and professional athlete she added that “[she’s] not a practicing doctor at the moment because Ironman takes up most of [her] time and [she’s] focusing all [of her] attention on that.”

Local heroes, Raynard Tissink and James Cunnama could also be seen at the Press Conference and naturally make this international occasion that much more special. “It's great to get the other athletes to come to our doorstep and race against us here ... It's definitely an advantage,” said Tissink. This defending champion added that “Ironman [South Africa] is certainly testament to a great event and great location.” Paul Kaye echoed these sentiments, stating that “South Africa has the best spectators who are all so passionate and knowledgeable.”

Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL), the 2009 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa winner, has been in Nelson Mandela Bay for a month and says that “it’s been good because all [he has] had to do is train.” After some brilliant results and numerous race dominations, the Belgian has built a reputation for controlling his races. Vanhoenacker added that it depends on how his fellow competitors race. “I’m used to racing from the front and with most of my races it’s lonely out there so I enjoy the competition,” he said.

Belinda Granger (AUS) also formed part of this group of elites and says that this is going to be her 43rd Ironman race. She added that “[she’s] honoured to be sitting here and to be racing on Sunday among the likes of Natascha and Chrissie.” This super woman also expressed that Ironman has become a “way of life” for her and she just loves it.

The renowned Chrissie Wellington (GBR) holds one of the fastest times for Ironman South Africa and according to Kaye, “South Africa is looking forward to watching her race this weekend”. Wellington echoed her love for our country and said that “every time [she comes] to this country the people are so warm and the food is phenomenal; it’s fantastic”. Watching this three time Ironman World Champion in action will certainly not disappoint spectators.

This year also marks the comeback of an athlete who has set Port Elizabeth alight in previous years, Natascha Badmann (SUI). She suffered an injury three and a half years ago and hasn’t competed since. Badmann says that “it was a very difficult time for [her] because it was predicted that [she] would not be able to compete again.” This strong woman is definitely here to prove to the world that despite all odds, she is back in the game and here to win.

The speaker and the athletes present at the Press Conference certainly served to whet the appetites of the observers who find themselves in eager anticipation for a great event. With such a great field of athletes in the 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa, it certainly promises to be a race to remember!

Welcome to the 2011 Specs-Savers Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth.

There will be 34 men and 15 women in our professional fields tomorrow that will be vying for their share of the $75,000.00 prize pool and 2000 Kona Pro Ranking points. In addition, over 1700 age group athletes from around the world will be competing for 30 cherished slots for Ford Ironman World Championships held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on October 8, 2011.

Both the men and women’s pro races have strong fields and it appears that some course records are about to fall tomorrow.

The weather for tomorrow’s race is calling for partly cloudy skies, with the thermometer nudging up to the 77F/25C range by the early afternoon - great conditions for an Ironman.

The race will start at 7 a.m. in Port Elizabeth – 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Sunday/11:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Saturday.

IronmanLive will have text updates of the action from the course and live athlete tracking throughout the race. Join us for the race start here at IronmanLive on Ironman.com.

It's almost time for the 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman endurance challenge to begin. Anticipation fills the air! Keep up to date with all the latest news right here on Ironman Live!

The 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa has officially kicked off! The excitement is contagious. With such a great PRO-field it's sure to be a fantastic race with a lot surprises! Stay tuned for all the latest news and live updates right here on Ironman Live!

The Sec-Savers Ironman South Africa swim course records are held by Anton Storm (RSA) 45:22 and Lucie Zelenkova (CZE) 47:40. Both records were established in 2009.

Amanda Stevens is leading the women's race after the first of two loops of the swim.

Amanda Stevens first woman out of the water in 48 min 55 sec! Rachael Joyce out 2nd and Chrissie Wellington out 3rd!

Women - Swim Finish

1 STEVENS, Amanda 0:48:55
2 JOYCE, Rachel 0:51:06
3 WELLINGTON, Chrissie 0:51:40
4 BENZ, Simone 0:52:56
5 DOLLINGER, Eva 0:53:02
More to come

Bocherer first out of transition to bike

A great swim for Andi Bocherer. The German is a strong cyclist. Last summer at Ironman Regensburg, he lead the men`s after putting in the fastest bike split put him out front starting the run. He eventually relinquished the lead, late on the run to a hard charging, and the eventual winner, Faris Al-Sultan. Broucherer held on to salvage a second on the day.

First men lead by Andreas Bocherer just past the 20km mark.

Raynard Tissink now in the lead and Andreas Bocherer at a close 2nd as they approach 34km mark

Luke Bell is now 2nd at the 34km mark and Andreas Bocherer following close by at 3rd place

Raynard Tissink now in 1st place, followed by Marino vanHoenacker in 2nd and Luke Bell in 3rd with Andreas Bocherer at a close 4th place

Marino vanHoenacker now leading on the bike at 45.9km mark

Favourite, Chrissie Wellington, just passing the 40km mark.

Rachael Joyce still in 2nd place for the woman behind super woman Chrissie Wellington

Raynard Tissink maintaining lead passing 60km mark