2017 Ironman 70.3 Vietnam Pro Start List

By Wires May 4, 2017

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Several top pros will compete at Ironman 70.3 Vietnam this Sunday, May 7, for a chance to earn a share of the $15,000 prize purse and valuable 70.3 Pro Ranking Points.

The Pro Start List includes two former world champions in Michael Raelert of Germany (2x Ironman 70.3 World Champion) and 2012 Ironman World Champion Pete Jacobs of Australia. With 2016 champion Cyril Viennot of France not around to defend his title, last year’s runner-up Tim Van Berkel of Australia will be one of the favorites heading into the race. They will be joined by Luke McKenzie of Australia, Ivan Kalashnikov (RUS), Eric Watson (BAH), Matt Franklin of New Zealand, Alexander Polizzi (AUS), Brad Williams (USA), Fredrik Croneborg (SWE), Ian Alexandridis (USA), young Jake Montogomery of Australia, Mike Phillipps (NZL), Sam Betten (AUS), Samuel Murphy (NZL), Valentin Zasypkin (RUS), Jakub Langhammer (CZE), and Lachlan Kerin of Australia. No clear favorites on this one, and all will be in the mix come race day.

On the women’s side last year’s winner Caroline Steffen (CZE) will be the default favorite in a lean field of 5 female Pros. Steffen will be challenged by Asian circuit regular Dimity Lee Duke of Australia, Sarah Lester (AUS), Laura Wood (NZL) and Anna Eberhardt (HUN).

Last year the second IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam attracted over 1,100 local and international athletes representing 60 countries. On the 3rd edition, more than 1300 athletes will be on the startline on Sunday. To illustrate the growing triathlon presence in Vietnam, a total of 380 Vietnamese registered in the event, making Vietnam the most-represented country.

The Ironman 70.3 Vietnam will take place in the coastal city of Danang, well known for its pristine beaches, UNESCO world heritage sites and numerous tourist attractions. Situated along an immaculate 30-km stretch of white-sand beach within 100 km of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial City of Hue, Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son ruins, Vietnam’s third-largest city plays host to the 3rd IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam. Danang is a bucket-list destination for travelers with its mix of cultural attractions, famous cuisine, beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses and award-winning resorts.

Alongside the IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam, the inaugural Sunrise Sprint (or S2) race will take place on Sunday, May 7, 2016. The S2 features a 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run along Danang’s coast.