All eyes are on Terenzo Bozzone in Spain this weekend as a large pro field will ensure IRONMAN 70.3 Barcelona has an auspicious start. On Sunday 57 professional triathletes from 14 countries fight for the first IRONMAN title that will be handed over in this beautiful Spanish city.
Terenzo Bozzone hits the starting line with a clear goal: The New Zealander wants to celebrate his 15th IRONMAN 70.3 title in Barcelona. The 29-year-old took third in his birthday-race at IRONMAN New Zealand on March 1 and seems to be ready to roll (fast).
Among the co-favorites are Sylvain Sudrie (FRA) and Victor del Corral Morales from Spain to hang on Bozzone’s shoulder. Corral Morales is not only competing in his home town of Barcelona, but he also sprinted into the world of IRONMAN racing last November with two great IRONMAN victories in only 16 days. First, he cracked the race record at IRONMAN Florida in 7:53:12, then he had another brilliant race at IRONMAN Arizona with another impressive win in 8:02:00.
Also included in the strong field is Rasmus Petraeus from Denmark, Will Clarke (GBR), Jan van Berkel (SUI) and Markus Fachbach (GER).
The women’s pro field looks a little bit like it could be a great comeback-event for Camilla Pedersen from Denmark. The reigning IRONMAN European champion had a horrible crash during her bike training in September, but is now back into racing again. This season she has already claimed one win over the IRONMAN 70.3 distance. Other favorites are Diana Riesler and Katja Konschak from Germany.