Ford Ironman Cozumel is the newest event within World Triathlon Corporation’s (WTC) Ironman family of races and makes its debut this weekend in Mexico. The inaugural Ford Ironman Cozumel will be held on this paradise island located 16 kilometres off-shore of the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo.
The Island was settled roughly 2,000 years ago by ancient Mayans, a seafaring people, who saw Cozumel as a commercial trading stop as well as a sacred shrine. This weekend, 2,000 athletes will etch another chapter in Cozumel’s rich history as Ironman ventures into the Middle Americas for the first time.
The two-transition course in Cozumel will treat competitors to a single looped swim within the protected waters of the reefs of Cozumel National Park located in Chankanaab Park Beach. With up to 200 feet of visibility, and countless species of fish, sponges, anemones and coral, it promises to be spectacular 3.8 kilometre non–wetsuit swim.
The 180 kilometre, three-lap bike will take competitors along the coastline of beaches and resorts and through the town of Cozumel. The first two laps are 63 kilometres apiece, with the third lap of 54 kilometres. Those racing will be subjected to strong gusting side winds, which have prompted the organisers to prevent the use of disc wheels for rider safety.
Once the bike portion is completed, the competitors will enter the bike/run transition located at the City Hall in Cozumel. The run consists of three laps of 14 kilometres each and is considered flat and fast.
In August of 2008, when it was announced that an Ironman was going to be held in late 2009 in Cozumel, it sparked keen interest within Mexican athlete community. Their response was immediate and, as a result, the event will see over 820 Mexicans who have been inspired to compete in an Ironman on their home soil.
IronmanLive coverage of the Ford Ironman Cozumel will start on Friday with a number of Mexican athlete profiles. As with all Ironman races, a truly international field of professional athletes has descended upon this tropical Island for Ironman’s race on Sunday.
In the men’s race Argentina’s Oscar Galindez, Belgium’s Rutger Beke, Ukraine’s Vicktor Zyemstev and German Lothar Leder highlight the field. All have Ironman championship titles on their resumes. The women’s field is equally as competitive with multiple Ironman champion Bella Bayliss, American Hilary Biscay, Italian Edith Niederfriniger and Netherland’s Yvonne Van Vlerken starting.
Race day coverage will commence at 6:30 AM (central time) on Sunday with the race starting for both the professional and age group fields at 7:00 AM. IronmanLive will be providing web onlookers with text race updates of the action on the course, leader boards, photos, as well as the athlete tracker.
