WA Men Elite

From IMG

Germany ’s Lothar Leder, the first person to break the magical eight-hour mark of Ironman will headline the star-studded elite men’s race at Sunday’s 2005 Ironman Western Australia Triathlon held in Busselton.

Considered by many as potentially one of the fastest Ironman courses in the world with its long, flat stretches of road on the bike and an equally flat run course, the chance of an athlete of the caliber of Leder breaking eight hours has become a reality.

Leder’s confirmation now leads to a showdown with the two-time Ironman Malaysia champion, Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand who predicts he can go 7:58 on this course. Leder has recently based himself in Noosa for a three-week training stint to prepare for Ironman Western Australia .

Australian Mitch Anderson of Melbourne looms as a potential threat to take out his first Ironman victory after consistent performances at the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii . Placing 14 th in Kona just over a month ago, Anderson hopes his time is now to record his first Ironman victory.

“I am feeling strong after Hawaii and I am ready to race. I am looking forward to going to Busselton after hearing what a great race it was last year,” said Anderson. “Winning an Ironman anywhere around the world would be incredible but to do it in your own country would double the satisfaction.”

Also, look out for Great Britain ’s Paul Amey who won the Port Macquarie Half Ironman in early November and finished third at the recent Noosa Triathlon. Petr Vabrousek, Markus Strini, Mathias Hect, Margus Timm and former Telecom team cycle rider Kai Hundertmarck are all part of a strong European contingent who are looking to upset the race favourites.