Ready for African challenge

Manama : Bahrain Endurance are out in force at the year’s first regional championship at the Ironman African Championship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Jodie Swallow is back to defend her title and James Cunnama seeks to master his hometown race, David Plese kicks off his season, and Ben Hoffman marks his first race in Africa.

They are also out to support Team Captain HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in his bid to qualify for the Ironman World Championship.

Swallow recently became engaged to longtime partner and coach Cunnama and says, “For some reason there are some races that just resonate with athletes personally, and this is mine. I’ve a gold, silver, and bronze here in my three-year run but am most proud to have always had good performances here and dictated the race. I don’t see why this year would be any different.

“James thinks I’ll be very fast but I’ll just concentrate on keeping my head down and on my process goals. If others have a better day then so be it, it is my job to make myself and my team proud.”

Cunnama has had his share of ups and downs at Ironman South Africa, but understands what is ahead of him. He says, “The race that got me into the sport, has frustrated me ever since and had many challenging days here. This year the course has changed again, but the usual well-known rough roads and winds and field of tough competitors are to be expected.

Hoffman is set for his debut race in Africa, after having a good build-up at home in Boulder and tune-up 70.3 races in Buenos Aires and Monterrey. “I’m beyond excited to join my Bahrain Endurance teammates and Shaikh Nasser. This is my first trip to Africa and I have heard nothing but great things about this championship event.” He says.

Plese has been training with Shaikh Nasser and both made the trip across from Bahrain to South Africa a week in advance to scout the course and make the last pre-race preparations.