European pair just love atmosphere
SWEDISH Ironman Asa Lundstrom wears scrubs more than Lycra these days but says some intense training in the lead-up to the Cairns Ironman will ensure she’s one of the first to cross the finish line tomorrow.
Lundstrom has swapped the gym for the library in recent months as she completes the final stages of her medical degree in Denmark.
But the two-time Ironman champion said the opportunity to race in Australia was too good to refuse.
“This is actually my sixth or seventh time in Australia,” Lundstrom said. “One year I came back four times to race.
“There’s a reason why I keep coming back.
“It is a good atmosphere. It is like a nice mix between the US and Europe.”
Lundstrom said her demanding study schedule had forced her to train differently for this event.
“Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to go. I haven’t raced since February because I’ve been studying full-time,” she said.
“I haven’t got the results from my final exams, so I don’t want to call myself a doctor just yet.
“But it takes up a lot of time and energy. I had to cut down on the volume of training I did and focus on high-quality training instead.
“I’m hoping that my base fitness is good enough and that the high-intensity stuff is keeping my form where it should be.
“I’m excited to see where I finish on Sunday.”
After completing the 70.3 in Cairns last year, German triathlete Anja Beranek has enjoyed visiting some of Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rainforest.
“Australia is my favourite country, so it’s always worthwhile to combine business with holidays,” Beranek said.
“Last week, I rented a mobile home and did a trip around the area. I discovered the rainforest.
“I need to have this atmosphere to have good vibes and I feel like I have a lot of good vibes to have a great race.”
Despite boasting a strong field, Ironman ambassador Liz Blatchford said Queenslander Mirinda Carfrae was the overwhelming favourite to take out the women’s event.
“If I had to, I would put my money on Mirinda to win it,” Blatchford said.
“She’s in really good form.”