Marino Vanhoenacker won Ironman Austria in Klagenfurt for the 6th time beating the world record by over four minutes. Clearly he has mastered this course and is a shining example of specific preparation. His consistent improvment for years on end makes him a Ironman great.

Just a week later Andreas Raelert stormed to a 7:41:33 finish at Challenge Roth. Surely this sensational performance must mean it is only a mater of time before he delivers a win at the world championships in Kona Hawai?

The most remarkable performance of the year however must beChrissie Wellington who over came injury to win another world championship title against the odds. Many including myself though she deserved a SPOTY nomination in recognition of this but it was not to be. Never the less she remains a dominant force in long distance triathlon.