Basso ain't resting!

Don't think that disgraced Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso is idly wasting his time while he serves out his two-year ban for links to the Operación Puerto doping scandal.

Basso says he's riding and staying fit.

The 29-year-old Italian is plotting his return when his ban ends October 24 next year and is already in contact with several teams for what will be a full racing schedule for the 2009 season.

According to a story in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Basso has been staying busy since admitting to Italian anti-doping investigators in May that he was a client of Spanish doping doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, the alleged ringleader of the Puerto ring.

Basso has maintained his training schedule throughout the early months of his ban and put in 30,000 kilometers this year before a planned vacation in the coming weeks to the Caribbean. That's only 5000 less kilometers than he put in when he raced the Giro-Tour double in 2005.

Basso also said he's keeping close to his ideal racing weight of 70kg, training on his Discovery Channel team-issued Trek bike but opting for discreet training jerseys without a team logo.

Basso even said anti-doping officials have called on him to take controls since he began serving his ban.

Basso was linked to Fuentes in May 2006 when the lid was blown on the Puerto ring, but he lied about knowing Fuentes and signed a million-dollar deal to join Discovery Channel for the 2007 season.

He was poised to defend his Giro title until building pressure from Italian investigators forced his hand just days before the start of the race. Officials from Italy's Olympic Committee gained access to blood bags allegedly linked to Basso and were prepared to force DNA tests when Basso prudently decided it was better to come forward.

Basso offered less than a full confession, admitting only his intention to dope, a claim that disappointed many who were hoping that the Italian star would come clean on the full extent of his Fuentes relationship.

CONI did Basso a favor and broke protocol to count days that Basso was sidelined after he was forced out of the 2006 Tour against his time he would serve for his ban, allowing him to return to competition next fall rather than during the summer of 2009.

Basso remains popular with Italian fans and most of the influential national cycling media continue to treat him as a hero for stepping forward despite admitting he worked with Fuentes.

He's hoping to race in the Japan Cup next October just days after his ban ends and hinted that he could compete in other international events in South America to gain fitness ahead of a full comeback in 2009.

Several teams are reportedy staying in close touch with Basso, who will have to wait to see what kind of reception he receives when his ban finally does end.

Contador Wins His Final Race In Discovery Kit

The winner of this year's Tour de France, Alberto Contador, has capped his great season with another win, the ACP championships. ACP is the professional riders association in Spain (Asociación de Ciclistas Profesionales). For the second time in a row the race was held in Boadilla del Monte, as reported by Spanish web site todociclismo. Contador won a tight affair, which is based on points rather than time, ahead of Carlos Sastre (CSC) and Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel), who won the event last year.

The race is held in two heats where 15 riders qualify for the final. Contador had no problems in the first heat and also received three points in the intermediate sprints. Sánchez received five points and also had no trouble qualifying. In the final race, which consisted of 16 laps around the avenida Infant Don Luis, it was Iñigo Cuesta (CSC) who took the initiative, and drew Luis Pérez with him. Pérez was on Cuesta's wheel, then attacked him to win the first intermediate sprint. Contador countered, thinking of the second sprint, and a front group of six established, with Oscar Pereiro, Sastre, Sánchez, Contador, Cuesta and Pérez. Sastre took the second intermediate sprint.

The final sprint was crucial, with double points on the line. Contador won the tight affair and ended up with ten points total, three more than runner up Sastre and five more than Sánchez.

Successful Marathon For Normann Stadler

Two times Triathlon Hawaii World Champion Normann Stadler and his Dresdner Kleinwort Triathlon Teammate Jan Raphael succeeded in the popular 26th Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Triathlon.

Being used to swim 3.8 km and ride the bike for another 180 km before entering the marathon track, both athletes made their debut on the single 42.125 km distance.

Cheered by massive crowds, the streets of Frankfurt Normann Stadler had a very good 2:32:14. Allthough finishing the Hawaii Ironman only two weeks ago, Dresdner Kleinwort Teammate Jan Raphael came in with a well respected 2:42:34.

Both Dresdner Kleinwort Triathletes crossed the finish line under the goal set at 2:50h. As a result, Normann Stadler and Jan Raphael collected 13.000 EUR for charity Verein krebskranke Kinder Frankfurt e.V.

Normann Stadler: "I wanted to finish this season with a good result. I owed this one to my fans and the children cancer project Verein krebskranke Kinder Frankfurt e.V. It was a great event and I thank Jo Schindler and his team as well as Dresdner Kleinwort for this opportunity.“

The 10 Rules of Aging Well

By: Mark Sisson

1. Eliminate Self Destructive Behaviors

This is the first step in preventing disease and meeting your later years with vitality and good health and it almost goes without saying - almost. The health toll of destructive behaviors such as smoking and excess drinking do not necessarily manifest for many years, thus discouraging motivation to stop. It’s natural to forgo making changes when the results are seemingly intangible or minimal at best. Smokers, of course, often report almost immediate improvements in breathing, sleep, and general health, but even so, indulgent habits are difficult to break. Do it now anyway. Whether it’s nicotine or sugar or drugs, don’t let your “vice” become your master. In time it will not only rule your life; it will destroy your body.

2. Eat Properly

I frequently say that 70% of health is about what you put in your body (exercise and stress comprise the rest of the equation). Though it’s an estimate, of course, there is absolutely no debating that the food with which you choose to fuel your body is the single most powerful choice you can make for your health now and as you age. In particular, the stress of free radicals and insulin resistance (i.e. oxidation and “syndrome X”) will wreak havoc on your health. As we age, our cells are more vulnerable. It’s that much more important to stimulate the metabolism, control stress hormones, safeguard immunity, and prevent atrophy. There is no reason anyone needs to be hobbling around at 65 or 75. You can enjoy the energy, vigor and looks of someone much younger if you simply take the extra steps to ensure your body has the arsenal of tools it needs. It’s not rocket science; in fact, the answers are right there in our cells (okay, so it is science). The best thing you can do is fuel your body appropriately with whole, fresh, nutritionally-dense food. Eat the right fats, plenty of quality, clean protein, and copious vegetables. Absolutely avoid anything processed, fried, packaged, reconstituted, refined, or high in worthless carbohydrates.

3. Exercise

Much of “aging” is essentially tissue wasting (atrophy). The phrase “use it or lose it” is cliche but true. The human body is designed to conserve precious energy. If you are sedentary, you are sending a clear message to your cells (e.g. your muscles, bones, and brain) that they aren’t necessary. Your muscles weaken, your bones shed their valuable osseous material - thereby even further compromising your immunity - and your mental capacity begins to slowly deteriorate. Exercise isn’t really about being ripped or sexy, though we all want that. It’s simply a necessary component of functioning as a human being. So many of our health conditions are diseases of sloth. If you are tired or lacking in energy, barring a specific condition or hormonal imbalance, it’s likely you aren’t active enough.

4. Manage Stress

An excess of gluccocorticoid hormone production will quickly derail the best health plans and prematurely age you. I’m tempted to argue that as a population, many of us are just too darn “old” for our age. The common “symptoms” of aging - high blood pressure, heart disease, adrenal fatigue, wrinkles, loss of sex drive, loss of energy, poor memory - are not really symptoms of aging at all. They’re symptoms of stress and poor lifestyle choices. Do everything you can to eliminate every type of stress in your life, whether from poor-quality junk food, smoking, drinking, and/or emotional stress. Cut out negative people and put an immediate end to stagnant or abusive relationships. Seek therapy if you think it can benefit you. Free yourself of your childhood, your demons, and your regrets. And please find a way to cope with the stress that can’t be eliminated, whether through exercise, prayer, meditation or time in the garden. This will make an enormous difference in your overall well-being.

5. Think Young

Your one life is a precious gift, but “thinking young” is about more than thinking positively or staying interested in current trends and world events. Realize that even at 55, 65, 75 and beyond, you are “young”. As long as you are alive and taking every intelligent step to get the most from your body and your life, you are young. Living itself is the ultimate fountain of youth. Look at the way children play and are curious. Don’t lose that spirit. I think we all tend to take life far too seriously. While responsibility is important, don’t lose your sense of joy. If someone in your life doesn’t understand that, it’s really their loss. You are who you think you are. If you are constantly telling people you are just “okay” or that you’re tired (again), that’s what you are. There is no harm in thinking positively, so train yourself to do so. Negative thoughts are unproductive and unnecessary. Use “outcome thinking” where you visualize what you want rather than focusing on what was or what might go wrong. I’m not advocating living in the clouds and ignoring reality, but when you take stock of reality, think about the positive outcome you hope to gain from the situation.

6. Get Rest

We recently discussed the importance of sleep. It’s critical to cell repair and regeneration. Adequate sleep can drastically affect your lifespan and your well being, and unfortunately, Americans aren’t getting nearly enough quality sleep. (Look for an upcoming Primal Health piece on sleep as well.)

7. Practice Good Hygiene

I see this one left out of many so-called guides to “aging secrets”. Aside from bathing and preventive habits like frequent hand washing, look after your dental health, your hearing, your vision, your nails, and your home. Cleanliness may or may not be next to godliness, but it is certainly going to help prevent infections and potentially serious long-term health problems. Be proud of your body and take care of it. There is no reason you shouldn’t trot into your golden years with all your teeth and (most of) your hair. Genes do play a significant role in many aspects of health, including how we look and age, but by taking care of yourself properly, you can make the most of all your years. The advances in scientific knowledge about the human body and aging are radically more powerful than what was conceivable just a generation ago. Take the very simple, common-sense preventive steps such as those listed here coupled with the incredible knowledge we now have and realize that longevity is about much more than just “making it” to 80 or 90. Rather, we can utilize what we know about the body and actually thrive well into old age.

8. Prudent Supplementation

Like it or not, our food supply is not always sufficient for providing us with all the available tools to fight oxidation and stress or reduce our risk for certain diseases. Debates rage about organic, local, free-range ad infinitum. Do your best, of course, to provide your body with the freshest, most nutritious food you can. But you can go beyond this with prudent supplementation. A powerful antioxidant multivitamin is in my view a must, as is a quality fish oil supplement. The standard American diet is shockingly low in essential fatty acids (”good fats”) and woefully high in shelf-stable macronutrients that offer little nutrition - trans fat, sugar, starches, etc. While I don’t believe in fad nutrients or miracle juices or weight loss gimmicks, intelligent supplementation is a must.

9. Proactive Living

It’s been said that many people fritter their lives away in despair, living someone else’s dreams and choices. Take personal responsibility and seize the life you have been blessed with by making active choices about who you will love, how you will live, and what you will do. Passivity breeds jealousy, imbalance, resentment, fear, fatigue, depression and unhappiness. While it’s just not reasonable to expect to achieve perfect happiness - hey, life’s not fair - you should strive to actively lead your life. Reflect on your thoughts and be sure your choices are your own. Proactive living is really living. I believe emotional health has a lot to do with feeling at peace with our choices - including the mistakes, or perhaps especially the mistakes. And, I believe authentic living has as much or more to do with longevity and good health as anything else.

10. Balance

Here’s the last, but not least, bit of advice. If you’re a thoughtful or responsible person it’s easy to beat yourself up or get carried away with stress and perfectionist tendencies. We all have our “issues”. Stress happens to be mine. I’ve learned to seek balance and accept that some days you’re the pigeon and some days you’re the statue. You won’t always eat perfectly or make the best choice and you might miss a few sessions at the gym. Maybe you drank a few too many last weekend. Don’t dwell on your misses - just keep going and concentrate on how well you’re doing right now. We’re a performance-based culture, and this can be destructive to self-worth. Concentrate on your good habits and achievements and build on those instead of focusing on the negative things. I gotta say it…sometimes sh*t just happens.

For more great health tips visit http://www.marksdailyapple.com

Alberto Contador: “With this route, I can think about the victory”

Posted From - Alberto Contador Fans Notebook

The winner of the 2007 Tour assures that the 2008 edition will be a new challenge in his life and hopes to demonstrate that he’s at the highest level

 “I would have liked it better if there had been a mountain time trial and a prologue on the first day. That would have been perfect for me, but it is what it is. So it will be a more important challenge for me to be able to demonstrate that I’m at the highest level in any route,” said Contador, speaking at the October 25 ceremony unveiling the route for the 2008 Tour de France.

Contador played down the influence that wearing the number one at the start would have on his performance. “I rather like the pressure, it’s something that goes along with winning, and I just have to accept it,” he said. “It’s impossible to say that I’m going to win, because that’s something very difficult to do, but I’m going with the hope that I’ll be able to revalidate the title,” affirmed the cyclist from Pinto, who indicated that if he had designed the route, it would have taken another shape. “I hope to adapt to this route and to fight for the victory.” 
                                                                                                                             
Contador pointed out that the stage which ends on the Alpe d’Huez, Stage 17, is the “star” of this year’s edition, and has paid attention to it with the goal in mind of taking a victory there, just as he marked Plateau de Beille for a win in 2007.

As far as the new measures taken to fight against doping, like the biological passport, Contador said that “in the short term it will be difficult to eliminate all the suspicions,” but was optimistic that it can “clean up this sport if it’s applied with the necessary physical and economic means.”

The colors of Kazakhstan

Contador will meet the challenge of capturing his second consecutive Tour title in the colors of a new team, Astana, to whom he committed a few days ago.

"After evaluating for several months the different offers, I didn’t know which one to choose. The image of last year’s Astana has been dimmed by scandals. I’ve had doubts, I’ve spoken with my family and I’ve seen that it was the best option,” he said.

 “The technical organization will change totally. It has a competitive team guaranteed to be, on the 5th of July, in condition to fight,”  he assured.

Contador said that the arrival at Astana of his Discovery team director, Johan Bruyneel, was a key element in his decision to go to the Kazakhstani organization, although it also had much to do with the fact that they've selected a thoroughly competitive body of riders.

 “We’re going to apply anti-doping systems similar to those of CSC. I believe it’s a very important step in changing the image of the team, and seeing all this, I believe that I’ve made the best decision,”  he commented.

Alberto Contador official website http://www.albertocontador.es/

Subscriptions to the Alberto Contador Fans Notebook are free and available by contacting contadorfans@chechurubiera.info

Kid Contador Ready For Different Tour

Yep, this is where I am going to attack

Spaniard Alberto Contador is ready for a "different race" in the 2008 Tour de France. The 2007 champion attended the race's presentation Thursday in Paris and was surprised with what he saw, especially the short first time trial and high-mountain pass of Cole de la Bonette.

"We have to approach the stage with respect," said Alberto Contador of stage 16 that covers the highest pass in Europe. "I think that it [the high pass] will make for a different race, and it is a good thing."

He confirmed that he will be out to defend his title in 2008, even if changing from Discovery Channel to Astana. "The Tour will be the most important objective for me next year. I will train all-out for the Tour. I will have to adjust my training to be ready for the mountains. It is very important to preview these climbs."

Lieto - Knocking on the Door of Victory!

Leading over 80% of the race was one step closer to taking it all.

I am back at home in Danville, and starting to unwind from all the travel. Kona was great this year. The whole experience was awesome starting with training in Hawaii in September to the 2 weeks before the race training in Kona. It was a great transition for me from my last bit of training and the taper and mental prep heading into race day.

Race day came, and I was feeling very relaxed and calm about the day ahead. I never got caught up in the hype and stress of the event. My attitude was much more relaxed and the little things didn't bother me. I was there to enjoy myself and my family and race the best I could. I knew there was nothing more I could do to get ready for the day so I was confident with the preparation I put in and what was awaiting me that day.

The swim was great. The water was calm and clear and we got to follow Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama, who are two of the most well known surfers and Big wave surfers. They paddled on stand up surf boards so it made it really easy to spot them and know where I was in relation to the front of the group. At one point I was maybe 8 people back from the front and I felt that I needed to move around the guy I was following. I went with my instinct and as I moved around him there was a guy just to left that I swam up on and as I was breathing to the right I saw that the guy I passed was getting gapped.

He and and line of other guys where dropping off the pace. That was the perfect move for me at that time and saved my swim. I just kept moving around people to make sure I was no farther back then 3 or 4 people. I felt really relaxed the whole swim and just followed peoples feet to conserve energy. As we came back to the Pier a small group of 4 people started swimming very fast. I assumed they were just going for the swim prime, which is the first person out of the water. So I let them do their thing and I exited about 5 seconds behind them in 5th place. That was a solid swim for me and I felt very good heading out on the bike.

Everything went smooth at the start of the bike and by mile 2 or 3 I was into first place setting the pace. I set my pace and didn't look back. I wanted to separate myself from the group of riders before I got out of town. I was in front but maybe only a 20 second gap, but I didn't look back and kept going my pace and my lead slowly grew larger and larger. I went through the bike prime with a 2:30 lead and by the time I got to Hawi, which is the turn around point, I think I was 4:30 up on the group. I was feeling good and comfortable. But as I made the turn to head home my glutes got tight and it was hard to hold the same power. For the next 15 to 20 miles I struggled with my power and energy level. During this section I got caught by Torbjorn Sindballe. I was able to up my watts and keep him within range of about a minute.

Out onto the run I was able to catch and pass him by mile 3. I was running a comfortable pace, and I had to make sure to keep my pace in check. It is very easy to run to fast the first 10k or so of the marathon. I was very comfortable with my pace and built a good lead. I came through mile 10 with a great lead and took the run prime. It felt great to be leading the race this whole time and I was not going to take it for granted. I kept my pace and I was getting splits that Chris McCormack was gaining on me. I knew he was running fast and I also knew that in the past he has had trouble going to hard in the beginning of the run. I didn't let that fluster me and as he got closer I slowed my pace down a little to conserve some energy in preparation for his pass. He came up on me and immediately I jumped on his shoulder and ran stride for stride with him.

My goal coming into this World Championship was to win. I didn't have the goal of top 3 or top 5 or 6th place. I wanted the win and wanted to give every opportunity to complete that. So I had to try and run with Chris. I was hoping I would feel ok and run with him for as long as I could and wait for him to falter. Anything can happen out there in the brutal heat. He could have cracked at any moment and I wanted to give myself the best chance to win. After a while I realized that his pace was a little to fast for me. I had to let him go and hoped for the best. Heading into the energy lab he was only about 20 seconds in front of me. My feet and legs started to hurt more, and the heat in the energy lab is greater than anywhere else on the course. Once inside, Craig Alexander passed me and at the same time I had to stop for a moment and regroup.

The pain that you go through in an Ironman can be enormous, and for me at that moment it was unbearable. I mustered it up and started running again. Coming out of the energy lab I was still in 3rd place, but was running extremely slow. The feeling of the weight of the world on me and the pain I was feeling was killing me. I started crying out for help because I couldn't physically do anymore myself. I prayed to God to literally carry me the rest of the way. Under my power I knew I was done. I slowly made it up to the highway and started feeling better for a while. At around mile 21 or 22 my body and energy was gone. I started walking and swaying from side to side, my head cocked back and mouth open. I felt like I was going to fall over at any moment and pass out.

My body tingling and the heat was feeling unbearable I knew I had to keep moving at least to the next aid station so I could cool myself off. I made it to the aid station limping and once there I soaked my body down with ice water. I got some calories in me and finally started feeling better and moving again. It was a little late because during that time I was passed by 3 more athletes. Now I was in 6th and realized that I had to stay strong to hold my position.

It is amazing how quick and easy you can go from leading the race to 3rd and then with a small set back for a moment you can go to 6th. And I could have easily gone from 6th to 16th or off the charts completely. When the heat and the pain hits you it hits you hard. I was able to hold my position to the end and was grateful for that and grateful that it was over. After efforts like that and feeling the way I did from the effort I gave all day when I cross that line I question what I was thinking being out there and why I push myself the way I do. I made a goal to race the best I can and every race I go into I race the event to try and win , I try to race for the ultimate prize. I do the training and the preparation, but it is God that supports me and allows me to race to that potential.

I thank all of you for your support and prayers and I thank God for the desire he has given me to race and for being by my side every step of the way and carrying me across that finish line on October 13th in 6th place.

I was knocking on the door of Victory, and yes I will be back. See you all next year!

Chris Lieto

Recovox Athlete - Rebecca Preston Takes 5th At The 2007 Ironman World Championship

Rebecca Preston worked her way up from 10th position at the beginning of the run and finished an incredible 5th after a close fight in the last few miles with Joanna Lawn and Rebekah Keat. Rebecca Had an amazing year, and will be a true threat for the overall title next year.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Oct. 13, 2007
2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run

Women
1.     Chrissie Wellington (GBR)       9:08:45
2.     Samantha McGlone (CAN)      9:14:04
3.     Kate Major (AUS)                   9:19:13
4.     Joanna Lawn (NZL)                 9:26:47
5.     Rebecca Preston (AUS)          9:26:55
6.     Rebekah Keat (AUS)               9:27:19
7.     Dede Griesbauer (USA)           9:33:34
8.     Leanda Cave (GBR)                9:36:10
9.     Belinda Granger (AUS)            9:37:54
10.   Erika Csomor (HUN)                9:39:47

Lieto Vs. Macca

The Day After

I have not had a headache like this for quite a while. We had a very big night last night after the awards ceremony and didn't get home until 5am after a real bender in Kona town. My mates were asking me last night if it had all settled in. Did I feel any different. I honestly dont know what it is I feel, but it is a very nice feeling. I m just so much at peace within myself now it is a wonderful feeling. It was funny, I was talking to my mate Mick Gilliam, who came this year to watch me race in Kona, as we sat and watched Alii and Tyson boxing videos in the nights before the big race, and he asked me if I was ready to face my demons on the lava fields. We looked at it very much like the famous Rumble in the Jungle fight that Alii and Foreman had almost 30 years before. Alii was taking on a fighter who had pulverised guys that had taken Ali the distance. Yet he faced his demons in the ring that night and walked away with the title in an amazing display. I said to Mick, "I really think this will be me this year. I want to face my self doubt and my demons this year in the lava fields. I think i am brave enough to sieze the moment like Alii did. I know i can do this." It was a really nice talk and I relfected on this a lot during the race. We talked about this last night and I think it was this very thing that personally was the most satisfying experience I have drawn from the race.

I spoke a few times to Cameron Widoff who i trained with all summer this year in Boulder and he was really cool. We had a great crew of training buddies this year in Boulder and we pretty much kept to ourselves and got the job done. We had a laugh about that as we had some funny nights out and the entire preparation this year was awesome fun aswell. Paul Ambrose and Stanto kept us laughing all summer but still backed up everyday to do the sessions we had planned out. It was a good crew. Anyway my head is still a bit sore and I definately am tired. My daughter Tahlia is screaming at me to take her swimming down the pool here so I will sign off really quickly here. I just wanted to thank all the people who have sent me emails of congratulations and for luck before the race. We turnd off all our phones and internet connection before the race this year so we could stay focused on the job so I opened up my account today to over 600 messages. Thanks everyone it really means a lot to me. Anyway I will write again in a few days. Emma an I have decided to stay an extra week in Hawaii before heading back to Colorado. We have a few mates in town with families and we decided we would just lay out on the beach and enjoy the moment. It will be a long deserved vacation for us all. I will write again in a couple of days I promise. We are now back online. Thanks, Macca

Chrissie Wellington Surprises Even Herself

By: Kevin Mackinnon

You�d be forgiven if you looked at the results from yesterday�s Ford Ironman World Championship, saw the name of the women�s champion, and asked �Chrissie who?�

Chrissie Wellington is hardly a household name in the world of Ironman racing. Her first year in the sport was last year, when she claimed an ITU World Age Group title. Just seven weeks ago she competed in the Standard Chartered Ironman Korea race, her first Ironman. She easily won that race, finishing an astonishing seventh overall in the brutally tough conditions.

Despite that impressive result, Wellington arrived in Kona as absolutely no one’s race favorite, even her own.

“I was hoping for a top ten,” she understated at yesterday’s press conference.

Wellington’s journey to claiming the Ironman title here in Kona has been anything but normal. While she was an “active child,” growing up and a competitive swimmer as a teenager, she was hardly what she considers a competitive athlete. While she swam while in university, that was more an exercise in drinking, she joked in an interview after yesterday’s press conference.

After she finished university, Wellington spent a couple of years traveling. She returned to school to get her masters, then was off traveling again. She started running in 2002 because she wanted to lose some of the weight she’d gained while on the road. That led to her first marathon, a 3:08 effort at the London Marathon in 2002.

While riding her bike a couple of years later, Wellington was hit by a car. She suddenly found herself unable to run or bike, so to keep active she started swimming. Triathlon seemed like a logical next step.

Sandwiched in between all of that was a work stint in Nepal, where Wellington found herself riding over some pretty major terrain to keep active.

“Nothing seems difficult compared to trying to ride over those mountains,” she joked yesterday.

After claiming the world title last year, Wellington’s coach suggested that she go and meet with Bret Sutton at his base in Switzerland.

“I wanted to know if I’d make it as a pro,” she said. “He said ‘Go for it, girl.’”

Go for it she did. She joined with Sutton’s elite group of athletes which includes the likes of Ironman champions Belinda Granger, Rebecca Preston, Lisbeth Kristensen and Ironman’s picture of consistency, Hillary Biscay.
“I wanted to do Olympic distance, but my swimming isn’t where it needs to be to be competitive,” Wellington says. “Five weeks before Korea he asked me about racing there. I asked him, ‘Am I ready, Boss?’ He said I was, so that’s what we did.

The rest has quickly become history. Wellington dominated in Korea and made her second Ironman even more impressive by beating the best in the world. She was so strong throughout the day that when she rode by the lead group to take the lead Granger said to anyone who would listen “There goes today’s winner.”

Granger was right. Wellington’s 2:59 marathon was the second fastest every run here in Kona – she was never really challenged once she went to the front of the race.

While she arrived in Kona relatively unknown, Wellington will leave the Big Island as one of the biggest names in the sport. That’s after only two Ironman races under her belt … one can only imagine how many more huge wins we’re likely to see.

Images From The 2007 Ironman Hawaii

Macca Conquers Kona, newcomer Wellington wins the women's race

On a day full of surprises starting early in the morning with Faris Al-Sultan dropping out before the swim start to stomach problems and Normann Stadler following suit at the bike turnaround in Hawi, Chris McCormack finally got the win he has wanted. Fighting against early leader Chris Lieto Macca overcame a sizeable deficit throughout the bike before capturing the lead heading into the Energy Lab. Once that lead was his Macca would never look back. His lead continued to build eventually finishing three minutes and 30 seconds ahead of second place finisher Craig Alexander. After entering T2 with the lead Torbjorn Sindballe held off a fast-closing Tim Deboom for third place.

In the women's race, Chrissie Wellington, an unknown at the Ironman World Championships, ran a superb race to defeat another Ironman newcomer Samantha McGlone. While Natascha Badmann had an unfortunate bike accident and defending champion Michellie Jones pulled out with an ear infection, the race was open for the women left in the field and Wellington capitalized on the opportunity.

Top 5 Men:
1. Chris McCormack - 8:15:34
2. Craig Alexander - 3:30
3. Torbjorn Sindballe - 5:56
4. Tim Deboom - 6:59
5. Marino Vanhoenacker - 7:58

Top 5 Women:
1. Chrissie Wellington - 9:08:45
2. Samantha McGlone - 5:20
3. Kate Major - 10:28
4. Joanna Lawn - 18:02
5. Rebecca Preston - 18:10

DeBoom 4th Overall And First Amercian

Tony DeBoom Checks In:

So it's Sunday morning. Yesterday was a looong day. We figure we ran somewhere around 30+ miles yesterday so the DeBoom Crew is a whipped as Tim. All in all, Tim had a great race. Tactically, a couple errors were made. The rest of the lead pack of cyclists left it up to the former champ to control and lead the bikeride. Great move by Macca and Crowie, but Tim probably burned a couple of matches early on that would hurt him later. Second, in the first 10 miles of the run, Tim took over 10 minutes out of Sinballe and for the next 15 miles Tim couldn't close a 20 second gap. Torbjorn ran a very even paced run and Tim, going for the win, realized that he couldn't let Macca and Crowie go at the beginning and went through 5km at a little over 16 min and the half around 1:16 - that's damn fast on a fresh day. But, running that fast early, left everyone suffering on the Queen K. Tim still ran strong at 2:48, but I think he would have been faster had he run more evenly and not gone full tilt from the start. Hats off to Macca and Crowie and Sinballe - great races by all three - it was a very tactical race and everyone played their card. Tim's plan was to race more in a reaction mode - see what the day dealt out and race accordingly, and that's what he did. Last night the family and sponsors gathered at the Red Bull House and Tim came over and we all laughed alot and talked about the day. We planned on heading down to the finishline at midnight, but we all woke up around the pool at the house a little after midnight and realized we missed it. Tim actually felt pretty good physically - sore hip flexors, a nasty gash on his arm from some zipties in T1 and the usual stiffness. But, the fact he was walking around and eating and laughing, and wasn't curled up on the floor puking, meant he was doing well.

Macca Wins 2007 Ironman Hawaii

Tony DeBoom Gives Us The Update On Tim

A big day of not much. The plan is simple. Sleep til you can't sleep no more. Wake and big breakie. A quick and light swim and run. Head back home and rest and relax while gear is packed and readied. Ever since TIm's first victory in 2001 and we all nearly split a gut watching Joe Dirt, comedy has always been part of the ritual. So, last night and today was Anchorman and Talledegha Nights. Humor always keeps things light. That and being surrounded by family today always makes things calm and safe.

When everythings packed and ready, Tim rides the bike on down to the turn-in point at Digme Beach. To make things easier, we race down in the car and keep in idling nearby so he can get in and out of there fast. No need to hang around and draw attention at this point. Then, it's back home for more laughing and rest before double checking everything, prepping nutrition bags for tomorrow and a pretty bland and boring dinner.

Hopefully we'll have a short update tomorrow morning before things kick off. If Tim gives me the look, then the camera is off and I'll give you what I've got. I asked TIm how he's feeling today and for the first time in a looong time, he told me that he's looking forward to the run - damn good to hear him say that. Things tomorrow could be interesting. Might be time for the old guard to rise up and teach these mouthy boys a lesson. Here's hoping. Thanks for reading and we'll update as we can from here on out. Last word: sitting here with Tim he's calm and as ready as he's been. He's got nothing to prove to anyone and he's happy. He wants this one for himself.

Here's a quick shout out to our friends, family and fans back home in Boulder, the state of Iowa and Army Triathlon Team at USMA. Thanks for keeping in touch and we'll talk soon.

Recovox Athlete - Rebecca Preston

Rebecca is seen as an overnight sensation in Ironman racing.

However, those who know Rebecca can remember her competing in her first world age group championship as a junior. This culminated in her winning her age group in the World Championship in Queenstown, New Zealand. On the day that Emma Snowsill was succesfull in the pros.

Becky then took it upon herself to seek a try out if there was any possibility that one day she could make it as a pro, to at least do one season overseas to fullfill her long time triathlon dream.

As fate would have it, she travelled to Europe and within 3 short months, her coaches believed that Rebecca had been competing in the wrong races. She was entered in a series of half Ironman races in France, and at once the true potential was evident for all.

On the back of 3 sensational wins in half Ironman, it was decided that she should undertake Ironman UK. The outcome was a bigger shock to Rebecca than either her coaches and her training partners, who had seen her ripping up long distance training programs in Switzerland.

Her win in the very first Ironman ushered in a new star. Then Rebecca backed it up with an unbelievable 11th at her first start in Hawaii.

In the next season, Rebecca went on to create a new history, when she won the Swiss Ironman, and then decided to back it up 2 weeks later by competing in Ironman Austria. After fielding many complaints, and many are-you-mad's, she went on to do the impossible - not only completing the Ironman - but beating the two-time World Champion Lori Bowden in what could only be described as a 9 hours drag race between the old champ, and the up-and-coming one.

Then a string of bad luck accidents unrelated to triathlon saw Rebecca exit from the scene, and not surface for 6 months. Then battling her way back into form, she had the unfortunate incident of kicking a boulder, fracturing a metatarsel, sending back her return to racing by another 3 months.

But the return was worth waiting for. She again won the Swiss Ironman, then backed it up by again finishing 3rd in the Austrian Ironman, only to prove she had lost none of her ability, then went to 70.3 Antwerpen, to blitz the field in the shorter race.

Rebecca's training has been going along very well, and we are confident that Rebecca Preston will one day hit the podium at Hawaii. The only question is a matter of when. We wish Rebecca the best of mechanical luck, and a happy memory to be the second of many memories of Hawaii.

Chris Lieto - Its Time To Focus

Now its time to buckle down and get focused. I say this light heartedly because I believe part of the success that I have had has been from my easy going and fun attitude. I do get focused and take my racing seriously, but I have fun doing it. I will still have fun race morning talking to people and my competitors. That is part of what keeps me relaxed before and during the race. I have realized that there is nothing I can do on race day to really improve my performance besides making the best of it. I have put in months of training for race day and I have focused and sacrificed a lot for that day. I know I have done my part and now it is time to let go of everything I have done and trust in how I have prepared and be confident that it has been the right amount with the right intensity. So I will head into the race with an attitude of knowing there is no more that I can do and give it all up to God and what he wants to happen on that day. He is control and without him nothing is possible, but with Him everything is possible.

Dr. B Checks In Before The Big Race

The Pro Press Conference

The Mouth That Roared...Macca a No Show

Macca who has declared himself the best triathlete on the planet, and talked trash all year long was a no show at yesterday's press conference. Seems to us if you talk the talk you need to walk the walk...enough said! Less than 24 hrs to see who is the best in the world this year.

Erdinger Weißbräu Private Pre Race Party

2007 Ironman Hawaii Pro Press Conference

Many athletes and members of the press were anxious to witness the first real reconnoiter between Chris McCormack and Normann Stadler since the heated, much-publicized fighting words between the runner-up and Hawaii champion last year following the race. But what many hoped to see in an awkward three-way exchange between McCormack, Stadler and secondary-McCormack-rival Faris Al-Sultan was not delivered, as McCormack, better known as Macca, was noticeably absent, an omission commented on by both Stadler and Al-Sultan and even good ole Welchy himself. In this modest observer's eyes, Macca's absence touched off more than a bit of animosity toward the fiery Aussie, whose comments over the last year on his fellow competitors, including Al-Sultan, Stadler and Alexander, have created controversy and debate in the media.

"I was a little exhausted when I went into the race [last year], and I wasn't able to get rid of the other guys on the bike." -Al-Sultan

"Like every year, I'm nervous. But now that I've won twice, it will be easier." -Stadler

"I think [the Macca-Stadler rivalry] is good for the sport, that people are out there cheering for a favorite. I have my own favorite out of one of the three [of Al-Sultan, Stadler, Macca] on who's going to win, but I'm keeping that to myself." -Beke
"Of course you have to use [a speedsuit]. But my preference would be just to race in a Speedo." -Al-Sultan, after which the room erupted in laughter.

"It's faster to swim with one then without [a speedsuit], but it's not four minutes." -Stadler, in regards to his faster-than-usual, lead-pack swim at the 2006 Ironman Hawaii, for which he wore a speedsuit and finished four minutes ahead of the trailing men's pack.

"I think I may be the slowest swimmer of all [the competitive men], but I think it's bad for the sport to allow [speedsuits]. But you're forced to [wear one] because everyone else is doing it." -Beke

"Of course, if you can stay with Normann [on the bike], try it. But if you can't, what are you going to do? I have to make up for that in the other disciplines." -Al-Sultan

"I rode the [Kuota] for four weeks. I'm OK with the bike. But it's only a bike-I'm the engine." -Stadler, on the question of how comfortable his is on his new Kuota bike, a result of the German's newly acquired, big-money sponsorship package.

"On Saturday, the gun goes off and you go as fast as you can. I don't think [about strategy] in a race. I never think, ‘Oh, maybe if he has seven minutes, I can catch him.' Ironman is not a tactical race. I think I could do the same time alone without anyone else on the course. I think everyone here could, too." -Beke

Interview with Samantha McGlone

Jalabert becomes Ironman

Former professional cyclist Laurent Jalabert will swim, bike and run in the 2007 Ironman on Hawaii, which takes place tomorrow, Saturday, October 13. Jalabert has continued with sports after the end of his active pro cycling career and has finished three marathon events so far, all under three hours.

Jalabert told French paper L'Equipe that he simply does the race, also known as "the longest day," out of "pleasure." The Ironman, a grueling event of a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, a 180-kilometre bike ride along the windy island and a full-fledged marathon in the end, has the name for a reason. Whoever survived swimming in the waves and riding along the monotony of the endless lava fields will then still have to run 42.195 kilometres to the finish line.

Jalabert explained that when he stopped his career in October 2002 he "wanted to spend more time with my family after all those years in the peloton. And that's what I did at the beginning of my retirement. But I gained weight and I missed the sport. So I started training for triathlons with a friend."

Jalabert also works as an advisor and commentator to French television, especially during the Tour de France. He did jokingly answer a question from a ten-year old girl during this year's Tour, saying "that sitting on a motorbike is a much easier way to see France." But clearly, Jalabert keeps up with his workouts and his marathon performances will help him along to finish well tomorrow.

He did well with his first competitions and his first full triathlon, the Ironman in Zurich, Switzerland. The Frenchman finished a respectable 21st. That was in June and gave him the ticket to Hawaii. But he insists that unlike in the pro peloton, where he wanted to be first over the cols and win the bunch sprints, the triathlon is "simply a personal desire. I participate like an amateur and I am not jumping in to compete for victory, I just want to please myself. I keep track of the times I do at every event. The goal is to improve little by little. The only goal is the victory over myself, while having fun."


Most triathlon specialists agree that Hawaii is the most difficult triathlon. It seems like a "hell on earth", fought out on a "paradise island." Other cyclists that have finished the event include Udo Bölts who was still actively racing at the time, and Kai Hundertmarck.

At 38 years of age, 'Jaja' is getting ready for one of his biggest beatings. To withstand, he will have to give it his all and be able to suffer tremendously. Just for pleasure.

Kona 2007: Chris Lieto Q & A

Kona Cribs - Chris Lieto

Tom Price and Shannon Paterson, with over 30 Ironman's of experience between them are pleased to announce the launch of The Kona Triathlon Experience. Created to provide the triathlete with an all-inclusive, personally tailored multisport training camp in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

What distinguishes KTE from many other triathlon camps is that individuals or small groups cooperatively design their own training program. This allows triathletes to choose dates, training volume and intensity, nutritional preferences, rather than being locked into a preset schedule. It also gives triathletes the opportunity to structure their KTE trip as a vacation. Workout with your personal coaches in the morning, then sight see all afternoon.

We love the sport, live the lifestyle and want to share it with others in the center of the Ironman universe, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. We are accepting athletes from mid January, 2008 on into the future. We are open full-time in Kona, and whether you are coming to do Honu 70.3, or preparing for an Ironman length event, we would love to have you stay and play at the Kona Triathlon Experience.

Visit them at www.konatriathlonexperience.com

Nutritional Fueling for an Ironman

By Dave Scott

Nutritionally speaking, we didn't know a whole lot in the early 1980s. Each athlete would seemingly load their water bottles with a unique, home-brewed concoction. The drinks were usually extraordinarily sludge-like with a slight brownish tint. I had heard that these "loaded caloric bombs" often exceeded 1500 calories per water bottle.

The common recipe for optimal nutrition was a combination of ground or pureed candy bars, honey and dextrose tablets blended with the chef's favorite beverage. Its not that I was smarter, I just didn't like candy bars, and I thought honey and Coca-Cola didn't sound terribly appetizing.

I took a simplified track and drank water plus Exceed, one of the first fuel-replacement drinks tailored to endurance athletes. In the 1980 Kona Ironman, athletes were required to have an endurance support vehicle, which upon a simple hand gesture, provided whatever fuel or fluid you desired. I loaded up my team and station wagon with a few baked potatoes, several bunches of bananas and lots of water. Bars, gels, sodium intake, and protein—we didn't know a thing about those topics, nor were they available.

Survival was the fueling ticket for the early races. I tended to eat liberally and never had stomach or prolonged fatigue issues. My competitors, who selected the caloric bomb drinks, were on the side of the road numerous times throughout the later stages of the bike, and the run was catastrophic, to say the least.

Natural Energy Lab Rats

As we moved through the early '80s, the preparation of Ironman fueling became more sophisticated—or at least we thought so. I vividly remember Kenny Glah carefully dicing and stacking about 12 bars on his top tube. These were displayed like a fine chef's dessert tray. However, at the end of the leg, the bars had been sprayed with sweat, coated with fuel-replacement drink and baked in the Kona sun. The end result was a slimy, dripping glob of disaster. With all respect to Kenny, he was a tenacious competitor, despite his food selection, preparation and the final display.

My secondary source of fuel for two Ironman race was dried 19 Calimyrna figs. I was looking for a fuel that could be packed in my jersey, contained lots of calories and was palatable after several heated hours of competition. Figs seemed golden until I realized that the high fructose and off-the-chart fiber content could present problems—big problems. I was lucky, but fellow competitors who followed my nutritional model experienced gastrointestinal (GI) distress of catastrophic proportions.

Despite the athletic prowess of the top men and women, we honestly did not know a lot about fueling. We trained hard, raced like demons and crossed our fingers that we did not have stomach problems. Fortunately, our learning curve evolved rapidly, and by the late '80s we had a more precise diet for total-fluid intake, types of calories and simply what worked during an Ironman.

Fueling for the Finish Line

While many Kona-bound triathletes are particular eaters during training, it is vital that proper nutrition is maintained in the days leading up to the race. Maintaining calories, priming the body for competition and reducing the risk of GI distress can be accomplished by following these guidelines.

Don't consume electrolyte drinks the day before—your electrolyte levels will be fine due to tapering and dietary intake.

Dinner the night before should allow a 10-hour transit time before your race-morning breakfast.

Eat two to 2.5 hours before the gun goes off.

Eat gluten-free products on race morning.

Your race-day breakfast should be on the lighter side based on your total body weight. I would stick with a safe range of 65 to 70 percent of total intake as carbohydrates. For example, if you weigh 155 pounds (70 kilograms), fuel up with 1.0 grams per kilogram: 1.0 x 70 = 70 grams of carbohydrates. 4 calories x 70 = 280 carbohydrate calories. The remaining 30 to 35 percent would be split between protein and fat calories. Obviously, the total is relatively small.

Don't eat anything after your race-morning breakfast with the exception of consuming four to eight ounces of electrolyte drink 10 minutes before the gun goes off.

This is the big one: Don't eat or drink until your breathing rate, heart rate and sweat rate have stabilized on the bike. This should be a 10- to 20-minute period on the bike before introducing small sips of electrolyte drink. The number one factor in GI distress is consuming too much too soon. Keep your total caloric intake at 25 to 40 percent less than usual during the first hour on the bike. For each remaining hour, maintain a steady caloric intake based on your body weight, intensity and duration of the race.

When replacing calories, only consume about 25- to 33-percent of the total calories burned per hour.
Athletes that err on the lighter side of fueling generally have smoother sailing when the gun goes off. Eating mountains of calories on the bike is relatively easy, but as the race progresses and water is drawn to the gut, your legs can feel catatonic on the run and will begin to remind of your excessive mistake.

Normann Stadler Running On The Queen K

Faris Al Sultan Doing Pre Race Interviews

Cam Brown Checks In From Waimea

Hi there,

Well we are into the last week and the count down is on. The last 3 weeks I have based myself in Waimea with my family, about 70kms from Kona. Waimea is just like New Zealand, windy, wet and green-ish! We have been staying on a farm a few km's from Waimea, so each of my runs and rides starts with a bumpy trip down our 700m gravel road which is in dire need of a bulldoze and a few truck loads of gravel! Being at 3000 feet above sea level you get the odd still day, but most runs and rides I have been blown about the road and come back covered in lava dust and grit.

Tomorrow we move down to Kona for the last few days of preparation and training on the course. This year I will be using my SRM power meter on my bike so you will be able to see live power readings on the www.2peak.com site along with Faris Al-Sultan and Luke Bell during the race. Also www.ironmanlive.com will be showing live audio, video feeds the entire day from 6am Hawaii time (race day starts at 6:45am for the professionals, Saturday 13th of October).

Look forward to catching up with you all soon

Regards Cameron Brown

Macca checks In From Kona

I have been here in Kona for 2 weeks now and it is only 1 week until the race. I spend so much time here it feels like my home away from home. Everyone is in town now and I have been getting some good training done. I feel really good after coming down from Altitude 17 days ago. The weather is not really that hot at the moment but it has been really windy out on the bike course. I have done some solid motor pace sessions out on the Queen K and the cross winds have been tough coming back from Waiakoloa. Hopefully the wind stays around this year and it is really tough on the bike course. I enjoy these conditions and my bike has really felt responsive in the undualting climbs with the cross winds from about 30 miles out of town.

There are so many Australians here this year which is wonderful. My good Mate Gary Shields who lives here on the Island has been giving me a lot of massage work so my legs are in great condition for the race. My dad arrives here tomorrow as does my good mate Mick Gilliam who is coming to watch this years race. It will be great to see them as I have been away from hom this year for 6 months already. Anyway I thought I better do a quick post. I will write again in a few days but thought I better post something for all the people who have sent me emails asking what I have been up to. Tomorrow evening I am meeting with Laurent Jalabert the Tour De France legend which will be awesome. He contacted me through a freind and asked to have dinner with me which was a real buzz. I will get some photos and send some news in a couple of days.

Hope all is well. Macca

MJ & Tour De France Star Laurent Jalabert

Ja Ja will be starting his first race in Kona on Saturday. His cycling resume.....

Tour de France (4 stages, career); (1992 points classification); (1995 points classification); (2001 mountains classification); (2002 mountains classification);

Giro d'Italia (3 stages, career); (1999 points classification)

Vuelta a España (18 stages, career); (1994 points classification); (1995 general, points and mountains classification); (1996 points classification); (1997 points classification)

Faris Al Sultan's New Cannondale Slice

DeBoom Checks In From Kona

Today was the last key run for Tim and he always does it in the Energy Lab. No matter how many times he's run this race, always good to refamiliarize himself with key segments. Tim also was going to run in a couple of pairs of race shoes to determine which pair he wanted to run in. This is pretty normal for Tim to narrow his race gear down to a couple of final options and make a final decision heading into race week - just like the helmets yesterday. As usual, it was scorching in the E Lab - no wind and just plain hot. Tim looked smooth. The way to win this race is to be strong and able to react to any changes that may occur throughout the race - that's why Tim is preparing to bring 7 different kinds of smoke come race day. The first has already been tracking - invisibility (laying low heading into the race and off the radar - let the popular boys enjoy their hype while Tim lays low and gets strong).

To follow Tim please visit http://www.deboomsportsmecca.com/blog