24 February, Langkawi Malaysia- Lotto Ironman Malaysia has always had the reputation of being a more challenging race due to the extreme heat. In this year’s race, it was no exception. In fact described as “one of the toughest races ever experienced”, by most of the pro athletes after the race!

This is teamTBB’s first major race of 2007 with six athletes participating. Male representatives were- Andrew Johns (GBR), Stephen Bayliss (GBR), Reinaldo Colucci (BRA) and Sam Renouf (GBR). Bella Comerford (GBR) and Rebecca Preston (AUS) represented the team in the female category.

Andrew Johns had an excellent race, finishing 2nd overall. Johns appeared to be in a perfect position to challenge for the win at Lotto Ironman Malaysia, but some bad luck made that all-but impossible.

"It was a bit frustrating, I got a flat with about 15km to go,” he said just minutes after coming across the line in second. “I rode on it for a while, but then I went straight through a corner."

After wrestling with a new spare for about five minutes, Johns finally got a new tire on the bike and began chasing the men he had spent so much of the day swimming and riding with.

He patiently started the run at a controlled pace, knowing full well that the heat would take it’s toll on the men ahead of him.

"I tried to make up some time on Xavier (le Floch) through the third lap, but he was really strong," Johns said. While he wasn't able to catch the eventual champion, Le Floch, Johns’s second place finish certainly bodes well for his budding Ironman career.

"It's getting stronger," Johns said. "Every one (Ironman race) I do I get better. I felt really comfortable on the bike – which was really frustrating after I flatted."

Stephen Bayliss too had a great performance. A very fast swim saw him getting out of the water with the leaders pack. In the bike, Stephen maintained his steady pace for the full 180km with the leaders pack and during the 2nd half of the 42km, he displayed great determination to finish this race in a solid and deserving 6th position. Great progress and great work Stephen!

Reinaldo Colucci, winner of the 2006 Phuket Laguna has been intensively training for the short distances with proving results in the ITU Argentina and Chile races earlier this year, coming in 1st and 2nd respectively. Reinaldo used the Ironman Malaysia as part of his serious training programme for the Ironman taking place in his home country-Brazil, in May this year. He came in a respectable 9th position.

Sam Renouf made his debut Ironman race and delivered an exceptional performance. Sam was steady throughout the race and was very determined not to let the heat force him out of the race. He finished in top 20 position. Well done Sam, this is great take away and experience to build on for the next 12 months.

Rebecca Preston delivered a stellar performance, finishing in 4th position. Rebecca's had a very successful 2006 season, and was taking a break for 2 months, before she picked up her full time training in Phuket with teamTBB, 3 weeks ago. Congratulations Rebecca, looks like 2007 could well become a great season for you!

Team mate, Bella Comerford had a great start to the race with an outstanding swim, fast bike and was on Nina Kraft's back all the time. After Nina left the race from heat exhaustion, Bella took the lead for some 10-15km on the run, till halfway mark of 21km. She was forced out of the race as the heat took a toll on her body, and she suffered from a severe stomach cramp. We applaud Bella for her courageous attempt and wish her a speedy recovery!

Overall teamTBB made a good impression in Langkawi. The athletes were on full focus and performed their best.

2007 sets to be a good season for teamTBB. With all the training and progress made, we look forward to more great results at the races.

For detailed interviews with some of teamTBB athletes please follow this link to the official Ironman website:

http://www.ironmanlive.com/events/ironman/malaysia?show=avlinks&y=2007