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Posted: January 7, 2004 Triathlon: Round Nine - Road to Ironman Australia Qualifying Series Tasmanian Half Ironman - Ulverstone, Tasmania Sunday January 18, 2004 The finale of the Road to Ironman Australia Qualifying Series takes us to the beautiful seaside township of Ulverstone for the Tasmanian Half Ironman Triathlon on Sunday, January 19. This is the last chance for athletes to qualify for the Snap Ironman Australia that is held each April in Forster-Tuncurry. Athletes will travel from all over Tasmania and Australia with the hope of gaining one of the final 25 qualifying spots on offer. Throughout the nine rounds of the Road to Ironman Australia Qualifying Series there has been over 5000 athletes attempting to secure an elusive spot to Australia's biggest triathlon event. There is an estimated 150 athletes expected to enter the Tasmanian Half Ironman that covers the distances of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run. The swim will take place over a two-lap course in the Leven River before athletes head out for the two-lap bike course along the beautiful Tasmanian coastline. The 90km bike ride heads into the city of Devonport and over the notorious "Don Heads" twice. The run is a three-lap flat course that winds its way through spectacular parklands, along rivers and coastal beaches. There are several strong contenders expected to head the field and make for exciting racing. Gold Coast Ironman specialist Jason Shortis will head the men's field along with Commonwealth Games 10km representative Paul Patrick who finished 6th at Ironman Switzerland. Sean Forster and Darren Franken of Victoria are also making the trip south to test their form for the upcoming Snap Ironman Australia. Franken placed 2nd at the Cairns Half Ironman in September behind current Snap Ironman Australia Champion Chris McCormack. Tasmanian Joe Gambles will be hoping to better his recent 3rd placing at the Shepparton Half Ironman and will be leading the team of local athletes in their quest to obtain one of the qualifying slots. Luke Bell, who finished 5th in last year's Hawaii Ironman was confirmed to race on January 18, however after a recent bike crash that left him with a fractured arm he will have to be content with watching from the sidelines, and providing expert commentary. Edith Kosztovits from South Australia will headline the women's field after finishing 9th at the 2003 Snap Ironman Australia. Edith's twin sister Maria competed in last year's Elite Accenture Series, finishing in 8th place. Jodi Barker from Victoria is also competing, and her strong bike leg is sure to place her in contention. After visiting Ulverstone, Tasmania, The Road to Ironman Australia Qualifying Series road show will come to an end for the season and the athletes who have qualified will step their training up a notch for the "Big One" on April 4, in Forster, NSW. The series winners for each age category will be announced at the carbo party at Snap Ironman Australia. Elite Men's Field:
Elite Women's Field:
<Ironman Australia, April 4, 2004
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