Posted: September 1, 2005

Triathlon: Vabrousek, Strangmuller, Yastrebov join men's field at 2005 Ford Ironman Wisconsin

MADISON, Wisc.— Two-time Ironman champion Petr Vabrousek (Czech Republic), 2003 Ironman Korea Champion Jan Strangmuller (Czech Republic) and Ironman standout Andriy Yastrebov (Ukraine) will compete at the 2005 Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon being held on Sept. 11 in Madison, Wisc.

Vabrousek has posted 16 top-five Ironman finishes in his triathlon career, claiming two Ironman titles in 2000 at Ironman South Africa (8:54:35) and Ironman Asia (8:49:31). Vabrousek has already recorded top-ten finishes at four Ironman events in 2005, including a second-place finish at Ironman Malaysia in February and a fourth place finish at the inaugural Ford Ironman Arizona in April.

Strangmuller posted the first Ironman win of his career at Ironman Korea in 2003 with an overall time of 9:09:42. Strangmuller also placed third at Ironman Malaysia in February of this year.

Yastrebov has made his mark at Ironman North America events over the past two seasons, posting top three finishes at Ford Ironman Florida (2nd in 2003) and Ford Ironman USA Coeur d’Alene (3rd in 2004).

The trio is expected to battle two-time Ford Ironman Wisconsin Champion Dave Harju (Canada) for the men’s title.

More than 2,000 triathletes from around the world are expected to compete in the 2005 Ford Ironman Wisconsin. Athletes will be competing for 80 qualifying spots to the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $30,000 pro- prize purse.

For more information on the 2005 Ford Ironman Wisconsin contact Ironman North America Public Relations Coordinator Josh Hernandez at 303-442-9097 ex. 35 or via e-mail at josh@ironmanusa.com.