Ironman 70.3: World Championship Preview

Who will win the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Chattanooga next weekend on September 9th? Here are Trizone’s top predictions, plus some info about this gruelling course.

Swim

The swim will start and finish at Ross’ Landing. Luckily, the swim course follows a very straightforward path in a clockwise direction so no one will get lost or confused meaning all focus will be on speed.

Bike

The bike course progresses 5 miles south of town before beginning the 3.5 mile climb up Lookout Mountain on Ochs Highway. Competitors will zoom past incredible views as they ride along the top of Lookout Mountain before a quick decent down Highway 136, before turning to head back in a northern direction.

Near the end of the loop, competitors will get the opportunity to ride through historic Chickamauga before making the final stretch back into downtown Chattanooga. Total elevation gain for the ride is 3442 feet/1049 meters.

Run

The two-loop run through Chattanooga weaves through the Tennessee Riverwalk, Veterans Bridge, North Shore, Walnut Street Bridge and the gorgeous Riverfront Parkway. The last stretch will see athletes powering down Riverfront Parkway to Ross’ Landing.

Who won last year?

Aussie Tim Reed and Great Britain’s Holly Lawrence won last year. No one saw Lawrence as a real threat last year, which was a gross miscalculation. When Lawrence pulled away , no one thought she’d actually maintain her gap and run to victory, and set the record for the fastest women’s IM 70.3 World Champs time. Tim Reed had been building towards the win for a number of years, and his victory wasn’t such a surprise.

Men’s results 2016

1. Tim Reed 03:44:14
2. Sebastian Kienle 03:44:16
3. Ruedi Wild 03:44:40

Women’s results 2016

1. Holly Lawrence 04:09:12
2. Melissa Hauschildt 04:11:09
3. Heather Wurtele 04:13:36

Ironman 70.3 World Championship records

Javier Gomez’ ferocious race in 2014 is still in the record books as the fastest Ironman 70.3 World Championships time of 03:41:30. Holly Lawrence’s unexpected victory last year set the new women’s record of 04:09:12.

Who is tipped to win this year?

Men’s Race Predictions

1. Sebastian Kienle: 47% (1-1)
2. Tim Don: 13% (7-1)
3. Javier Gomez: 12% (7-1)
4. Tim Reed: 11% (8-1)
5. Sam Appleton: 10% (9-1)

Sebastien Kienla and Javier Gomez

German Sebastien Kienle is a ferocious athlete who has his sights set on Kona, but we think he can pull off a win at the IM 70.3 World Champs too. He’s in solid form, and is one of our top picks for the victory.

Gomez is also in with a key chance at the win thanks to his focus on short course and IM 70.3. He won the IM 70.3 World Championships and his record still stands, plus he’s had a sensational year of WTS racing this year which may make a 70.3 tough.

A critical part of Gomez’s race will be the bike, as a 70.3 bike is a different event to Olympic distance. His race will depend on if he’s able to stay close to the front group. Of course, Gomez has superior run speed, but hasn’t done a 70.3 since Dubai earlier this year so we’ll wait and see how he goes, although a podium finish is almost definite.

Tim Reed

Tim Reed is in with another chance at the podium, and the win this year thanks to his sensational preparation this year since July. Sadly though, Reed has recently been battling a chest infection and suspected flu so he’s been taking antibiotics.

Predictions range from Reed reaching T1 with a three minute deficit, to him powering through the run to halfway then exploding. We just don’t know how it will play out, and how his recovery has been going.

Sam Appleton

Sam Appleton is due for a really big result in a big race, and Chattanooga could be the place. He’s had impeccable results all year, with only one let down at St George.

Trizone predicts he’s going to be one of the key contenders in the front group as there’s no reason why he should fall behind. Essentially, everything will come down to the run for Appo, and it’s where he needs to shine if he wants a good result.

Women’s Race Predictions

1. Holly Lawrence: 45% (1-1)
2. Daniela Ryf: 21% (4-1)
3. Melissa Hauschildt: 13% (7-1)
4. Helle Frederiksen: 4% (24-1)
5. Jeanni Seymour: 4% (27-1)

Holly Lawrence

Holly Lawrence has had an impeccable season this year and we’ve tipped her to take out the win next weekend. Unfortunately for Holly though, she’s had irritation of the tissues near her plantar plate recently and is ending her rehabilitation now.

The injury won’t impact her swim or bike, but we’ll find out if it’s still an issue during the run. As Meredith Kessler said last year “you ever know where you are after an injury before a race. You only know after the race.” This statement will ring true for Holly who has returned to running training recently after a hiatus due to the injury.

We’re still betting she manages an incredible result, and we’re hoping for an impressive battle with Daniela Ryf.

Daniela Ryf

Daniela has her eyes on Kona but is still tipped to take out the top spot at the IM 70.3 World Championships. Last year Ryf finished fourth and was disappointed with her result, which may also help fuel her fire this year. Ryf needs no introduction, and it’s obvious why we think Ryf will win, or at worst, place second.

Melissa Hauschildt

Mel Hauschildt had significant surgery to her iliac artery earlier this year after battling leg pain and weakness for two years (while still winning races…amazing) After six weeks of rest from running in early 2017, Hauschildt got straight back to training and has been working hard ever since. With her impeccable experience, we’re betting Hauschildt will make the podium, just as she did last year.

Heather Wurtele

Wurtele placed third last year, and we predict she may make it to the podium again this year due to her lightning focus on 70.3. Wurtele has foregone Kona this year to focus on 70.3, which means her training has been very specific and efficient. While she’s not quite at the level of Lawrence or Ryf, we do predict she could make the podium.

With one week until the IM 70.3 World Championships, We’ve not got long to wait to see how this thrilling race plays out.