IM South Africa

[Lex]

Hi Guys.

I amsitting down at the start, waiting for James and Raoul to get here with Xena. James had a relatively good nights' rest....our dog Chloe on the other hand was a rather restless soul during the evening, but otherwise..enough rest was had after the movie and pasta dinner at home.
Weather is clear skies, light breeze off the shore, which should be behind the guys for around 90kms of the bike (consists of 3 loops of 60kms).

i will try to keep you all updated via the forum, but i am sure ironman.com will have some pretty acturate and moment for moment updates.

Here's to a great race day for all the TeamTBB athletes with many victories!

Please send all your goooood vibes to sunny south africa today?

Much love!

PEACE OUT! 

[Beck]

Some updates throughout the day would be great    I'm not holding my breath for 'accurate' and 'moment for moment' updates from ironman.com- although I may be wrong.
I'm getting nervous, just thinking about everyone getting ready!!!
Here's hoping the day is a successful one for everyone   Good luck!

[mcunnama]

Men at 120km Hecht, Storm, Storm, Fontana, 3.37 down were Bayliss, 90 sec later Tissink and a minute later Cunnama. Women Steffen, 2 mins down Wee, Bella about 10 minutes off the pace but not sure who is in between.
Latest - Tissink and Cunnama have overtaken Bayliss.

[running-geek]

09:04
   Top 10 men
* Raynard Tissink (#2) at 8:23:28
* Mathias Hecht (#13) at 8:28:53
* Daniel Fontana (#9) at 8:33:48
* Jason Shortis (#51) at 8:34:52
* Stephen Bayliss (#1) at 8:40:28
* Jan Raphael (#25) at 8:42:46
* Max Renko (#26) at 8:51:19
* Trevor Delsaut (25-29) (#117) at 8:53:32
* Simon Billeau (#7) at 8:53:49
* Aleksandar Sørensen-Markovic (#28) at 8:56:06

08:41
   Bayliss makes the top 5
He looked pretty blown after the bike but former champion Stephen Bayliss worked his way steadily though the run field on those 'ostrich legs' of his and came home in 5gth place with an 8:40:28

08:36
   Women at 32k
Sonja Tajsich is now 3:18 clear of Caroline Steffen at the 32k mark - just 10k to go before the finish line.

[rebekahkeat]

Way to go Zena solid run and very strong out there!!Proud of your determination!!
Well done for toughing it out Steve and sorry to hear bout smouldering mans issues...i know how it feels IM OZ was the same for me...not much u can do once it gets to the throwing up phase! ...onwards and upwards batman its early season yet!

[Donna]

Congrats Xena! Great result for the first IM of the season!

And great job Stephen for a solid race and moving up through the field on the run.

[Caroline Steffen - "Xena"]

THANKYOU FOR CHEERING TEAMMATES. I'm realy happy with me race today - ok 1st would be better but, I give me best and she was just a bite to fast for me in the run Bloody german  Get a sleep now - try to sleep. Cheers from SA, Xena

[amymarsh]

Very happy for  you Caroline!  Congrats to Stephen for a solid top 5 finish. 

[nicola]

Congrats Caroline and Stephen! Hope James and Bella are ok.

[GillianS]

Well done Caroline , Stephen , Bella and James.  Sadly not everyday is perfect but Bella you have always been one of my favorites and are such a super tough awesome competitor that I know you will be back on top in just a few short weeks at Lanzarote. I think it must have been your cheering on the sidelines that made Stephen streak through the field and back up to 5th... well done Stephen.

Looking forward to all the race reports. GS x

[doc]

dont you  worry about
bella ,she is 8 weeks away from racing at her best , and stephen 4 .
they went out to south africa  out of respect of the people who do the race .
their best races are infront of them .

[Plasma]

Looking fwd to Stephen and Bella's best races ahead!

Stephen was a real fighter out there, running with guts and determination every step of the way! Well done on an awesome top 5 Steve!

Watching Bella race is such an experience! She goes out there and guns it! So sorry it didn't come together for her on the day, but it is great to have them racing in our hometown! Hope to see you both for many years to come!   

[BellaBayliss]

Thanks for your support guys!  And all you guys cheering for us yesterday.  The crowds here in Port Elizabeth are amazing to us both.
It was very sad/embarrising to have to walk past you all once I had blown!  ..but I tried to smile and give you a wave!   

I found it a tough race!  Rough water, and hard work on the ride.  I did'nt have much left for the run!  I ran from 8th place to 5th place then I went backwards!

Of course disappointing, but I am not going to tear myself apart over it.  Onto the next!

Well done Caroline, and Stephen.  Hope James is feeling better, ..last I saw him he was just coming around in the medical tent!
I'll blog soon,
Bella

[doc]

bella i am sure is about to give us all a lesson ,
of how to bounce back from what usualy scars  most athletes , long term .
fragile  she is not

[Plasma]

Not long now until she's the MOST successful female Ironman of all time?! How many victories to go before PNF is shifted?

Now that's drive, determination and talent all rolled into one!

The plus side to Bella's race yesterday, was the fact the she had some time to 'chat to us/spectators' before calling it a day! 

I'm sure that once you hit your stride, this year, there wont be much time for chatting to the crowds! 

Well done again to all Team TBB athletes! See you next year in PE and keep on bringing the great weather with you!!