IRON MAN BECKONS
It will not be an easy ride for Swiss star in tough women’s field at 70.3
Defending champ Daniela Ryf up for challenging task to try retain title
Defending champ Daniela Ryf said it will be a challenging task to retain her title at the Isuzu Ironman 70.3 World Championships on Saturday, being held at Kings Beach.
Ryf, who is the current Ironman World Championship holder, said she was happy to be back in Nelson Mandela Bay, where she made an impressive debut by winning the Ironman African Championship race last year.
“I have good memories here from last year,” said the threetime Ironman 70.3 title-holder.
“It feels weird to be back. Last year, when I was injured and I wasn’t even sure if I could do the race, I surprised myself during the race and it was much better than what I had expected.
“Now being back here feeling ready to race and being fit makes it even more special to look forward to the race.”
The 31-year-old Swiss will be up against Ironman African Championship winner, Lucy Charles of Great Britain, South African Jeanni Seymour, who is the 70.3 specialist, having won multi Ironman 70.3 races, and Sarah True from the United States.
True came fourth in the World Champs last year, which were held in Chenôve.
“It’s great that as women we have our own race,” she said.
“We can race each other without any other distractions. Not that men are distractions.
“I am not trying to beat men at all, but it’s interesting to see as a woman how close you can get to them, and that is something that motivates me.
“I definitely know that this weekend will be challenging. There is a lot of good competition, and I am really happy to be here with the best in the world.
“I think we have a great field in the women’s field on Saturday. The race will be full on from the start. There are a lot of quick and fast swimmers and fast bikers and runners.”
Speaking about the course and the atmosphere on race day, Ryf said: “It’s a challenging course. The ocean can be quite rough. The bike as well can be windy. It’s challenging.
“The atmosphere here last year was really amazing. I felt really welcomed from the start when I arrived. I got the feeling that people here are very passionate about this event.
“It’s nice to be here. Especially on the run course the atmosphere is very amazing.”
Johannesburg professional athlete and 2018 Ironman 70.3 Buffalo City winner, Seymour said she is humbled to be among the best triathletes in the world.
The 26-year-old, who is based in America, said racing back home where it all started is emotional.
“I wouldn’t even imagine to be amongst the best in the sport. So, I am pretty humbled. It just goes to show how far I have come,” said Seymour.
“I left home when I was a 20year-old trying to make it in this sport.
“I was just a young girl with a dream, and I tried my best with just knowing that I have hard work going for me.
“I am really proud to be sitting here as one of the few South Africans not only in this field but as a professional.”
It’s great that as women we have our own race . ... We can race each other without any other hassles