I checked in most of the Professionals yesterday - very nice group of people. Each of them filled out a bio sheet for the radio broadcast during the race. The race will be line on Ironmanlive.com. The local radio stations covers the race with about 10 commentators scattered around the course.
You will hear my voice and RD Tom Gutherie during the show. Starts at 6:00 AM on Sunday morning. Over 800 participants have signed up for the race - 600 in the 1/2 ironman and 200 in the sprint triathlon.
Most of the pro’s went on an hour boat ride/cocktail party last night at 5:30 PM. After the boat ride, a street fair took place (“Jump UP”) Lots of island music and food in the downtown area.
The Buccanner - the host resort - is having a special contest for the married pro couples racing - (Tim and Nicole DeBoom, Micheal and Amanda Lovato, Jamie Cleveland and Andrea Fischer) The winning couple (finish times added up) will win a 5 night stay at the resort. I talked to Jamie and Michael about the competition and both of them said that they will try to stay close to Tim and that their wives would have to win the contest!
Luc Van Lierde is a NO SHOW - so the men’s field will be lead by Tim DeBoom, Chris McCormack, Richie Cunningham, Jamie Cleveland, Dave Harju, Michael Lovato, Bryan Rhodes and Petr Vabrousek.
The women’s field is VERY GOOD - Karen Smyers, Wendy Ingraham, Joanna Zieger, Lisa Bentley, Leanda Cave, Nicole DeBoom, Andrea Fisher and Amanda Lovato.
My favorite on the men’s side is Chris McCormank as Tim told me yestersday that he has not been training in the heat. My favorite on the Womens’ side in Joanna Zieger as she is in great shape and if ready for a hot race. My dark horse winner on the Women’s side is Karen Smyers as she was the first athlete in the beer line on the boat last night.
Z