An Iron weekend - IM Louisville & Canada previews.
Every race leading into October is a test. None more so than an Ironman. This weekend sees two Ironman races and a test for each of the pros involved. For some it is a chance to get onto the podium as they not headed to Kona. For those Kona bound the timing is everything. How much recovery will they need to make sure they are ready to fly come October. With many of the top athletes in lock down mode until October those that decide to race the full distance this weekend will be racing against the clock.
Ironman Louisville - This one sees Rebekah Keat as the headline act. Considered one of the few women who could possibly unseat Chrissie Wellington on the Big Island it seems strange that she would take on the Ironman challenge so close. Keat will have some close competition in Nina Kraft, Hillary Biscay and Kelly Williamson. She will be the one to beat but how much will it take out of her is the key question.
The men's sees Ironman veteran Jason Shortis at it again. His recent form has been less than it's brilliant best but we will wait and see if there is one last trick in the bag. John Flanagan will rule the swim and then it will be up to Paul Ambrose and Tim Marr to provide the speed. Our darkhorse is Max Longree who, if he gets his run together, will power through and take the win.
Ironman Canada - A staple on the triathlon scene for some 28 years now Ironman Canada is a race that is integral to the triathlon world. Races with this pedigree are rare and as it has been for the last 27 years the locals will be out in force to support the 2600 athletes.
The course speaks for itself as it is all one loop. A great effort by the local community to keep it like that. Kieran Doe looks to be in some smashing formafter a win in Calgary recently and has been living in the area for weeks to tune his body for the win. He has form on this course as he was the '07 champion. Given who he is up against, it might be another win. Not that the field is weak but it is not as deep as it could be and given his swim pedigree then he might get some clear road. The darkhorse is Scott Neyedli. Our pals from tri247.com have got him as the winner and with good reason. His last two outing have been on the podium and he is a grinder of an athlete who's motto might well be, "he who fatigues last wins". There is a bit of that bulldog toughness about him that we love.
The women has Terezo Macel and like Keat in Louisville this worries us a bit that she is racing so much. Macel is a superb athlete and she raced over the IM distance in France last month and now this. Let's hope she knows a good massage therapist. Heather Wurtele and Tara Norton will be in the hunt.
Make sure you check in Monday as we will have separate race reports and tell you who won and why.
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