The island of Lanzarote will once again become the epicenter of international triathlon. 19 years hosting one of the toughest races in the world and it has been consolidating over the years. Starting at seven o'clock on Saturday morning, more than 1,500 triathletes will jump into the sea to swim 3.8 kilometers, cycle 180 kilometers and run 42.2 kilometers.
The Ironman Lanzarote is a qualifying event for the Long Distance Triathlon World Championship held in Hawaii. There are 60 places at stake (5 for professionals and 55 for age groups), which makes the attraction of Ironman Lanzarote even greater. The organization was forced to close registrations in June last year, with more than 1,571 participants.
The country that contributes the most triathletes is Spain with 495 participants. The United Kingdom with 346 triathletes, Germany with 227 athletes and France with 109 participants, are the countries that will have the most representatives in this year's edition. In total, 38 countries will be represented in the Ironman Lanzarote.
Eneko Llanos and Bella Bayliss, start as favorites
Among the triathletes who have confirmed their participation in the Ironman Lanzarote 2010, there are champions from past editions, world runners-up and winners in the Ironman events held worldwide. One of the top favorites to win the final victory is the Spaniard Eneko Llanos. The Basque triathlete was an Olympian in Sydney 2000, winner of the Ironman Lanzarote in 2007 and second classified in the Ironman of Hawaii in 2008.
Also on the starting line will be the Belgian Bert Jammaer, winner of the last two editions of the Ironman Lanzarote. In the women's category, the Scottish Bella Bayliss, winner of the last two editions, is one of the main favorites to win the final victory.
The Lanzarote triathletes will have the objective of playing a more than decent role and making things difficult for the big favorites. One of the great Lanzarote cards is Gregorio Cáceres. Professional since last year, he has shown an enviable evolution in the last editions. In 2007 he was sixth, the following year he crossed the finish line in fifth place and in the last edition he was fourth. By progression, Gregorio Cáceres should be on the podium.
The eyes of the people of Lanzarote will also be on Nicholas Peter Ward. A priori he will maintain a great fight with Gregorio Cáceres to proclaim himself the best Lanzarote and best Canary Islander of the present edition.
RELATED ARTICLES
[The Playa Grande Triathlon Club will have 11 triathletes in the Ironman Lanzarote->39952]
