From Ali'i Drive to St. George Town Square Park, from the black lava fields of Hawaii to the red rocks of Utah, the world will watch as IRONMAN World Champions are crowned outside of the Big Island for the first time in history. Just like the legendary course in Hawaii, the race will be both beautiful and brutal. And whether you're more familiar with Kona's twists and turns or looking forward to this new, unique challenge, here are the top five favorites of pro men's and women's.
Men
Kristian Blummenfelt
Olympic Champion Tokyo 2021, a few months later his first (and only) finish over the full distance was almost perfect: He won the IRONMAN Cozumel in a breathtaking time of 7:21:11 after a 2:35 marathon.
Gustav Iden
IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion 2021 on the same course in Utah, winner IRONMAN FLORIDA 2021. Iden is the younger of the two Norwegians and intends to focus on the short distance after St. George with a view to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Alistair Brownlee
Due to injury, the Brit had to pause almost the entire 2021 season. This two-time Olympic champion still has work to do after a disappointing 21st place finish in Kona in 2019.
Sebastian Kienle
The 2014 IRONMAN World Champion already announced the end of his career after the coming season a few months ago and would like to give it his all until then - the "Sebi way".
Lionel Sanders
The Canadian wants his first IRONMAN World Championship title after his 2nd place in Kona 2017. Sanders has already won the IRONMAN 70.3 twice in Utah on the same route.
Also interesting
Women
Anne Haug
Reigning world champion of the last IRONMAN World Championship 2019. In preparation for Utah, Anne Haug finished the IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote in second place a few weeks ago. In top form there is hardly a way past her.
Daniela Ryf
Four times in a row (2015-2018) World Champion on HAWAII, course record holder, absolute best bike split. The demanding route profile should suit the "Angry Bird" (nickname of the Swiss) very well.
Syke Moench
Suddenly thrust into the limelight when she won the IRONMAN Frankfurt in 2019. Since then, one victory has followed the other (in 2021 two more Ironman victories in Chattanooga and Boulder). Feels comfortable on demanding courses.
Kat Matthews
The Brit won the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote a few weeks ago, relegating Anne Haug to second place. Is in an impressive form this spring. Can she convert it to the full Ironman distance? If so, insider tip!
lISA NORTH
The specialist from the Olympic distance made her long-distance debut at the IRONMAN Lake Placid in 2021 and delivered her first IRONMAN victory at the same time.
NEOTEST 2022: THE NEXT DATES
Frankfurt, 07.05.
Cologne, 08.05.
Munich, 14./15.05.
