Ironman Western Australia preview - Men
We've been saying this all week and that is Ironman Western Australia is the the last chance saloon for season 2009. But it is more than that for the a few of the professionals racing in Busselton this weekend.
The defending champion Tim Berkel was setting his sights on his first Mdot victory this time last year and he went on to achieve his target in a very slick time of 8:07. He was emphatic in his victory and it was signal the start of a push to the top. That hasn't quite come off but it is way too early to write him off as a one win wonder. Berkel on his day is quick and when he finally gets to the tough U.S races we will see how quick but for the purposes of this weekend he is right up there as a favorite.
Jason Shortis is the course record holder and when he is on song he can run a blindingly quick marathon. But unfortunately for 'Shorto' his form has been off somewhat of late. There are those who have written him off but you would be foolish to do so. Shortis has made a habit of storming comebacks and this weekend could just be another chapter in his storied career.
Third on our list of Ironman WA hotshots is Jimmy Johnsen. For those who have been around awhile Johnsen has an Andy Hampsten quality. He is so quiet it's hard to believe that he is a hard charging pro. Like Hampsten though how he conducts himself off course has little to do with what he does on it. (Hampsten won a Giro d'Italia proving this point) But Johnsen needs a good performance after his trip to Kona didn't go as planned. His win in Sheparton two weeks ago was said to be a cruise. We'll find out race day.
But the man they will be watching is Patrick Vernay. Vernay, a multiple winner in Australia, is a cunning racer. He resists the urge to get out in front until the end and stalks his prey throughout the bike. He is a superbly balanced athlete who has no real weak points. However, his Kona effort where he pulled out on the bike showed a chink in the Vernay armour. His opponents will have taken that on board, that the New Caledonian flyer is not superman. Still, the rest of the men's field will be needing to pack some kryptonite in their special needs bag if they are to catch a man who knows how to win on this course.
Other names to look out for include Courtney Ogden, Petr Vabrousek and Tim Marr. All will be waiting to pounce if any of the big four falter.
We will have comprehensive coverage of Ironman Western Australia so check back in for the latest.
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