Competitive women's field in South Africa

Port Elizabeth awaits an epic battle as the female pros aim for gold at IMSA reports Michael Flanagan

Only a brave soul would put money on who will take the spoils in the women's race at the sixth edition of the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa. The women's pro field is littered with talent from all around the world as spectators will get the opportunity to see a thrilling race unfold before their eyes.

Czech triathlete, and defending champion, Lucie Zelenkova (pictured) will be returning to defend her title against the other 16 female professionals who all aspire to walk away with the crown. Zelenkova started 2009 with a bang by winning both the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa and the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa. She followed it up with a second place at Ironman 70.3 Austria and a 3rd place at Ironman Austria. “There is very strong field of PRO females this year and I expect a tough race, but I will do my best and I hope to repeat my results from last year. My tactic for the race will stay the same; I will try to push hard from first discipline, which is my strongest, and hopefully have gap before the marathon,” says a highly motivated Zelenkova.

Her win at Ironman South Africa was her maiden Ironman victory and she will be aiming to capture the coveted title for a second successive year. “Ironman South Africa is one of my favourite races. The organisation, volunteers and spectators are absolutely amazing,” adds Zelenkova, who considers Ironman South Africa to be like racing in her hometown.

The 2009 Ironman France winner, Tine Deckers who hails from Belgium, will be fighting for the title. Along with her Ironman France victory, she managed a 13th place finish at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She will be competing in her first Ironman South Africa and will be hoping to make a big impression in her first Ironman on African soil. Deckers, who has trained in South Africa before, knows all too well that the race will be tough and is focused on the prize. “I'm here for my Hawaii slot so I will be racing for the podium on Sunday. I know there are some good athletes who are going to make the race tough,” says Deckers.

Spectators will also see the return of 2008 champion, Bella Bayliss. Bayliss had an impressive 2009 after a disappointing Ironman South Africa where she was forced to withdraw during the race. She notched up impressive wins at Ironman Austria, Ironman Lanzarote as well as a win in her native land at Ironman UK. This powerhouse athlete is definitely one to watch at this year’s Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa.

German efficiency will be the name of the game for Sonja Tajsich, who had a fine 2009 by finishing second at Ironman South Africa and Ironman Austria before reaching 14th place at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She will be hoping to go one better this year and walk away with the title. On the local front, the crowd will be getting behind Caroline Koll who finished fifth at the 2009 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa and was the first South African women’s finisher. She will undoubtedly be counting on the local crowd support to spur her on.

PHOTO CREDIT: GERNOT GLEISS
“LUZIE ZELENKOVA (CZE)”