I had seen a note somewhere that stated that Natasha was going to be at and race in Kona. Not sure if she's done much racing coming of last years injury out there and the related surgery and rehabilitation. It's always cool to see her smile out there.

Not sure on Michellie.

Michellie said this year on location at Hi Tech Bikes that she would always race Hawaii. She does not have to qualify for it eing a previous champ. She did have an injury this year, but she is training on the streets of San Diego. She has her own website www.gomichellie.com, and I'm sure her schedule is there so you can see it.

Oh how sad... She is one of my favorites to root for!

(from Michellie's blog)

For Immediate Release
Monday 22nd of September 2008

Over the weekend whilst competing in the Ironman 70.3 Cancun Michellie Jones was forced to withdraw whilst in the lead on the run because of a slight tear in her right calf.

With great regret Michellie has also decide to withdraw her entry from the 2009 Ford Hawaii Ironman World Championships in Kona.

In a statement released today Michellie has this to say;
"One of things that I learned from my disastrous defense of my Ironman World Championship title last year in Kona is that the Hawaiian Ironman is not a place to be unless you are 100 percent. I am really looking forward to coming back to Kona in 2009 with a vengence. I am extremely disappointed and would like to sincerely thank all my Sponsors and Friends for their support."

Once the injury is resolved Michellie plans to race several more long course events to finish out the season.

Huh? was this a joke? one person's way of throwing off the competition? when you read the press release, it's states 2009 and not 2008. it's also strange that it's not up on her site anymore...

huh dunno.

I think Badmann is out too...

Given their outstanding performances over the past 12 months it very likely could be a Brett Sutton trained first five:

1.Chrissie Wellington
2.Erika Cosmor
3.Belinda Granger
4.Rebecca Preston
5.Hillary Biscay

That said, while I am big fan of Chrissie Wellington I do have a soft spot for the Aussie Rebekah Keat, especially after what she went through with the doping charges (and ban) because of a supplement provider's mistake, so I do hope she can break-up the above quintet and grab some glory. I raced the Gold Coast Half-Ironman in 2000/01 and had the pleasure of trying to "legally" stay on the tail of Bec Keat, but alas she broke me en-route to a comfortable victory.

Just read on Badmann's website that she will be racing... Should be interesting, I cannot see Badmann committing without being decent shape.