Triathlon: Beke, Alexander join men’s field at the Ralphs California Half Ironman

OCEANSIDE, Calif.-Rutger Beke (Belgium) and Craig Alexander (Australia) will compete in the 2004 Ralphs California Half Ironman, set to take place on Saturday, April 3 in Oceanside and on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Beke is one of the top young talents on the Ironman circuit. The 26-year-old surprised many by finishing second at the 2003 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, finishing with a strong overall time of eight hours, 28 minutes and 27 seconds.

Beke also finished third at Ironman Florida in 2002 and was second at the Ralphs California Half Ironman in 2003.

Alexander is a standout at the Half-Ironman distance, posting eight half-Ironman distance wins in his career, including winning the St. Croix Half-Ironman in 2003.

The 30-year-old Australian was also second at the Ralphs California Half Ironman in 2002.

The duo join a men’s field which features two-time Ironman World Champion Luc Van Lierde (Belgium) as well as 2002 Ironman France champion Francois Chabaud (France.)

The Ralphs California Half Ironman triathlon takes place for the third time in Oceanside and on neighboring Camp Pendleton. More than 2,000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete. Athletes will be competing for 20 qualifying spots to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $25,000 pro prize purse.

For more information on the Ralphs California Half Ironman, log onto www.ironmancalifornia.com.