This is shaping up to be a great early season showdown. I hope Vanlierde can find his form.
Who do you like?
LVL - wow. The most amazing thing is he keeps coming back. For two very brief years there, no one could touch the guy. He was on a trajectory to rewrite the books and rules on IM, but then he started to run into all kinds of problems and he really has not been the same since.
It really would be great one year to get all the great talent in the sport, fit and on the line, ready to go in one big long distance triathlon. Historically, that race was IMH, but now more than a few of the top people don’t show in Hawaii or show up in less than great shape or with other problems (like LVL, Lessing etc . .)
Fleck
Although not everyone shows up, I would argue that the people that have a shot at winning Hawaii show up.
I agree. Who is not showing up that has a shot at winning? Or better yet, who is not showing up who has a shot at the top five? Wouldn’t that person(s) be better shooting for the overall at a few other races. I don’t believe this waters down the competition either. I think a lot of athletes would rather win Germany, Lake Placid, Canada etc. than be 6th in Hawaii.
a 6th place in kona makes much more than a win at most IMs.
However, obviously if you are german, winning IM Germany or Roth weighs much more than 6th (and 3rd german) in Hawaii.