Griffin v Shortis in Shep showdown
The men's race will be a battle of three. The headline act of this weekend will be the battle between Jason Shortis and Leon Griffin. Shorto is a favorite amongst Ironman crowds and should be the people's choice this year. Leon Griffin has come back from his season in the States a different man. No doubt buoyed after his successful U.S campaign Griffin will be chock full of confidence as he heads closer to his first date with the Ironman distance. The other part of this puzzle will be Tim Berkel. Does he have the legs after last weekend's heart breaking loss in his hometown half Ironman of Port Macquarie. You would think he might be too cooked to prove a force but he is a talented guy and anything is possible on race day.
The women' field is very thin indeed. It will be the Lisa Marangon show as she adds another title to her resume. Elly Franks is a talented athlete and will be quick on the day but she will be racing for second.
Shepparton is a race that throws something different at the competitors each year. Trying to pick the conditions or the winners is always a tough thing. One year you could have swum into T1 as it poured with rain and then next year it was hot and dry. It has been won by the best in the world like Luke Bell and by those not so well known like Boyd Conrick. Check back in to find out how this race unfolded post finish.
Comments (4)
by Matt, 15 November 2008Right on Phil, whats all the fuss about Luke Bell, the guys failed to perform more times than Wayne Arthurs.I don't understand why all these young guys want to do ironman anyway,you just lose all your speed, leave it for the old and senile.
by phil (author), 14 November 2008Luke, on this course, is close to unbeatable. He has a great track record.
by Phil, 14 November 2008Don't discount Peter Loveridge. His run is fast and a flat course might suit his ride. I've always been fascinated by the hype around Luke Bell and the 'best in the world' comment will divide opinion no doubt. Luke has promised a lot but perhaps fallen a little short of what a lot of his supporters may have expected at this stage of his career. Food for thought. What do you reckon bob? three dots again?
by bob, 14 November 2008[quote][/quote]