By Nangamso Mabindla
11 January 2008

WITH only two days left before the first ever Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 in East London, athletes participating in the world class event are already talking up their chances of winning the coveted $25 000 first prize (R171 000).

The professional athletes were talking at a press conference held in East London on Friday January 11. The conference was attended by Buffalo City Executive Mayor Zintle Peter, councillors, race organisers and participating athletes.

Speaking at the conference, South African hopeful and full Ironman specialist Raynard Tissink said that he looked forward to a challenging race on Sunday, January 13.

"Even though this is my first Ironman 70.3, and I'm not familiar with the athletes I'll be facing on Sunday, I think I'll be ready for the challenge. I've just participated in a race in December; and this will make it difficult for me for Sunday's race," he said.

Talking about the conditions, Tissink said that he hoped that East London would be warm and slightly windy on Sunday. "Most of the European athletes would probably struggle, since it's winter over there in the Northern Hemisphere," added Tissink.

Ladies' race favourite, America's Desiree Ficker, racing in South Africa for the first time, said that she was happy with the swim and run course and expected to do well.

"I'm more of a strong runner and I am hoping to make the Olympic in Beijing this year. I have not seen the cycle course but I'm sure we will be able to cope with it," she said.

The athletes will get a chance to have a look at the grueling cycle run that will start from the Orient Theatre along the Buffalo Park Cricket Grounds to the N2 towards King Williams Town.

Ironman is not only about the professional athletes and Triangle South Africa says that the oldest participant is 72 years old with the youngest 18.

Buffalo City Mayor Zintle Peter said the city was proud to be host of the first ever Ironman 70.3 event in Africa. "We and the Nelson Mandela Metro have ensured that the Eastern Cape is the Ironman Capital of Africa; and we are honoured to be part of this event," she said.

Peter said the final number of participants exceeded their estimated target when the city was announced as the host of the first of 30 Ironman 70.3 events around the world for 2008. "We thought that 500 would be the ideal figure; and to our surprise we have exceed that and almost doubled that figure."

She thanked Triangle and the sponsors for organising the race.

Ironman starts in East London at the Orient Beach at 7 am on Sunday January 13.