Among the forty Pros present for this 4th edition of Monaco Ironman 70.3, someone has to immerge as the favourite based on how they are feeling at the moment with regards to fitness, their previous results and the objectives they set for this season. The eyes of the spectators will turn particularly to Marcel Zamora Perez (SPA): will he make it a triple win (Ironman France and Monaco Ironman 70.3)?
Marcel Zamora Perez is the favourite for this 4th edition. Indeed, he is the double- holder of the title of Monaco Ironman 70.3, he has won for the third consecutive time Ironman France last June and has just finished third at Embrunman. Challenging him nevertheless will be some other triathlon stars. Chris Mc Cormack (AUS), World Champion Ironman (2007) in Hawaii and winner, last July, of the German Ironman 70.3, makes him a strong opponent. The French hopes of a podium finish rest with Nicolas Lebrun (FRA), World Champion XTerra in 2005 and third at Monaco last year.
The surprises could come from Olympic distances triathletes such as Mike Aigroz (SUI), 6th at Ironman France last June, who was in the lead at the half marathon mark, Stéphane Poulat (FRA), who after a successful career in short distance dashes for his first Ironman 70.3 and Andreas Raelert (GER), 4th at the last European Championship Olympic distance.
Finally, to complete the outsiders line-up is professional ex-cyclist and ex-team-mate of Marco Pantani, Massimo Cigana (ITA) who won Austria Ironman 70.3 in May and is thus a logical choice to finish on the podium. Monaco's triathletes, Hervé Banti (MON) and Cédric Amand (MON) are more motivated than ever and hope to have a successful event.
In the women’s race, Alexandra Louison (FRA) and Christel Robin (FRA), who finished in 1st and 3rd place respectively, last year at Monaco, will nevertheless have to face Virginia Berasategui (SPA), victorious at Ironman 70.3 Germany two months ago. Christel won recently won the French long distance Championship title and Alexandra who finished in third place at Ironman France in June should keep the French colours flying high on the feminine podium on September 7th in the Principality!
Who will be on the podium on Sunday 7 September at about 11h10 (for the men) and 11h40 (for the women)? These famous triathletes bring to the race a true sense of suspense!
Monaco Ironman 70.3
7 September 2008
1.9km SWIM | 90km BIKE | 21.1km RUN
30 qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship on 10 October 2009 Hawaii
50 qualifying slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship on 9 November 2008 Florida
Athletes representing 40 nations
9 hours and more of show & sports on race day
3 days of triathlon on the Esplanade du Larvotto
www.monaco-ironman.com
Photo: ©Gleiss
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