From Ironman.com…
The 2008 Ironman Brazil will take place this Sunday on the island of Florianopolis in the State of Santa Catarina. Located in southern Brazil, Florianopolis is a destination spot for many South American’s. The island is known as “Floripa” to those who visit the area often. Brazilians and Argentines love to vacation in Florianopolis not only for its beaches but also for its culture, history, food, nightlife, and well protected diverse ecosystems.
The area has a steep history dating back to the 1500’s when the Spaniards inhabited the land. Eventually the Portuguese would assume control in the mid 1600’s which has resulted in Portuguese now being the native language of the country. On May 25th, another power struggle will occur on the Island, however this time it will be for the titles of Ironman Brazil Champion. The region’s history and landscape make for a perfect back-drop for an Ironman.
The battle grounds; the transition, finish-line, expo and race headquarters are located at the Doze de Agosto Club at the north western tip of Florianopolis Island. The clubs focal point is a covered soccer field which also doubles for the location of the carbo and awards dinners. Last year’s carbo dinner and festival featured a little taste of Rio de Janeiro with carnival dancers and bands entertaining the competitors.
The swim is “M” shaped, point to point, and starts at Jurere International beach. The two-looped bike takes competitors along coastal, residential and rural roadways with a total of 800 meters of climbing. The run is a flat and fast three-looped affair, made up of 21-kilometer lap and then two 10.5-kilometer laps before finishing at Doze de Agosto Club. This course has “Personal Best” written all over it.
When you review the pro start list, one gets the feeling that this is a showdown between the Argentina and Brazil. There is a small sprinkling of international athletes in both the men and women’s pros.In the men’s field you wouldn’t be going out on a limb by saying this is Oscar Galindez’s race to lose. He has won the race 3 times (2003, 2006 and 2007) and is arguably the class of the field. He attempts to limit the damage the swim leaders inflict on him before he mounts his bike. On the bike his usual race plan is to put the hammer down and leave it there. He lets the competition attempt to keep pace or to at least minimize the damage he afflicts on them for 180 kilometers. It is on the second lap where traditional others have withered in their attempts to keep in touch with the native of Argentina (and Brazils adopted son) during the bike. Last year he smacked out a solid 3:00 marathon and was never in any danger of relinquishing the lead he carried off the bike. Expect more of the same this year. However, if need be, Galindez has displayed terrific foot speed in his second place finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships last year, and he will use it if need be in Florianopolis.
Two-time Ironman Brazil winner Olaf Sabatschus will be on the start line on Sunday fresh off a win at the inaugural Ironman China in April. It is unlikely that the German will be able to replicate a win here this year but he will more than likely play a role in the outcome. Expect Sabatschus to influence the bike portion of this race as he is one of few in the race who have the biking credentials to push Galindez on the bike. Whether he can garner up a sub 3 hour marathon required to challenge Galindez for the win after only 4 weeks of recovery from Ironman China… you see where I am going with this.
There are a hand-full of pro men from Argentina and Brazil who are perennial top 10 finishers at Ironman Brazil. Anyone of them is capable of putting together that perfect race and compete for the win should Galindez or Sabatschus falter during the day. Eduardo Sturla has won here and was third in 2007 edition of this race. Others to watch while the action unfolds are Ivan Albano Junior and Fabio Carvalho.
At Ironman Brazil last year Italy’s Sebastian Pedraza was at one time in second place during the run. He faded on the last half of the marathon and held on for a fourth place showing. If he can compliment his strong swim and and bike combination he has the potential to make the podium.
In the women’s race you have the sentimental favorite and two-time Ironman Brazil Champion, Fernanda Keller. She would love nothing more to make it three wins here in Florianopolis.
There are a few relative unknowns in the field that could make a significant impact on this race. Brazil’s Carla Moreno is a two-time Olympian and has 2 world cup wins to her credit. Harsanyi Zsuzsanna from Hungry has a second place showing in the 2006 Ironman Malaysia and a number of podium placements in long distance races in Europe.
Hillary Biscay from the USA comes to Brazil this year coming off some superb training in Arizona. It would be poetic justice to see one of the hardest working American athletes be rewarded for all her hard work with a win here.
Other women to watch for on race day are Camilla Lindholm of Sweden and Czech Republic’s Ladislava Cisarovska. Brazil’s Rita Correia has a number of top 10 finishes at Ironman Brazil to her race resume.
The Ironman Brazil coverage will commence on Friday with photos and reports from the pro conference and other competitors in the race. Race day coverage will start on Sunday at 5:30 a.m. eastern.
