Posted: August 25, 2005

Triathlon: Lessing to race at Subaru Ironman Canada

PENTICTON, B.C - One of the most versatile athletes in the triathlon community, Simon Lessing will take on the competition at the 2005 Subaru Ironman Triathlon in Penticton, B.C. A South African native, now living in Boulder, Colo. Lessing has achieved international success with four ITU World Championships, the 1995 Long Distance World Championships and now has the 2004 Ford Ironman Lake Placid title to add to his resume.

In winning his first Ironman title, Lessing took over 10 minutes off the Lake Placid course record, finishing in a time of eight hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds. Back to back titles at the 2004 and 2005 Ford Ironman Half, each win against a very strong field, round out Lessing’s recent accomplishments.

Likely to challenge Lessing out of the swim is Jan Sibbersen. This 30-year-old German athlete has been the first swimmer out of the water at the last four Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. Although unlikely to be able to stay with the eventual top finishers through the remainder of the event, Sibbersen may enjoy the leading the way out of transition onto the Subaru Ironman Canada bike course.

Also strong in the swim is Chris Lieto of Danville, Calif., a former waterpolo player. Lieto, 33, has worked to balance his early strength with strong bike and run race legs resulting in his first Ironman title in 2002 at Ironman Wisconsin and second place at both the Ford Half Ironman Florida in 2004 and Ford Half Ironman California in 2005.

Subaru Ironman Canada is the oldest Ironman event in continental North America and will take place for the 23nd time in Penticton, B.C. on Sunday August 28. Athletes will be competing for 100 qualifying spots to the 2005 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii as well as a $75,000. (Cdn.) pro prize purse. For more information, log onto www.ironman.ca.

For more information, log onto www.ironman.ca.