Posted: August 18, 2004

Triathlon: Sabatschus, Evans, Seeley to compete in 2004 Subaru Ironman Canada Triathlon

PENTICTON, B.C.-A trio of top Ironman triathletes look to be the early favorites to take the men’s title at the 2004 Subaru Ironman Canada triathlon set to take place on Sunday, August 29 in Pentiction and the surrounding Okanagan area.

2004 Ironman Brazil champion Olaf Sabatschus (Germany), 2003 Subaru Ironman Canada runner-up Tom Evans (Naramata, B.C.) and American standout Matt Seeley (Polson, Mont.) will all be looking to earn the top spot at the Penticton event, which takes place for the 22nd time this year.

After more than 10 years as an elite triathlete, 34-year-old Sabatschus finally reached the top of the podium with a win at Ironman Brazil in 2004, bettering his performance of 2003 when he finished in 2nd overall. Sabatschus followed up his win in Brazil with a third-place finish in Ironman Austria, matching his performance at the event in 2002.

A resident of Cologne, Germany Sabatschus is not a stranger to Subaru Ironman Canada, finishing in sixth place in 2000.

Evans, of nearby Naramata, led most of the run at the 2003 Penticton event before being passed by the eventual winner, Raynard Tissink of South Africa. Evans has also posted a 10th place finish at Ironman Florida in 2002. A 36 year-old dentist, Evans is looking to the top of the podium this year in Penticton.

Looking to challenge both Sabatschus and Evans, Seeley comes to Subaru Ironman Canada hot off a second-place finish at Ironman Coeur D’Alene in June. Seeley also finished 3rd at the inaugural Idaho event in 2003. The 33-year-old also finished 16th overall at Subaru Ironman Canada back in 1999.

Subaru Ironman Canada is the oldest Ironman event in continental North America and will take place for the 22nd time in Penticton, B.C. on Sunday August 29. Athletes will be competing for 100 qualifying spots to the 2004 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii as well as a $75,000. (Cdn.) pro prize purse. For more information, log onto www.ironman.ca.