Published June 18, 2009 03:47PM
After a second place finish last year in the Vineman Ironman 70.3, current Ford Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander (AUS) is returning to Sonoma County California to reclaim his title. Alexander won the 2007 Vineman Ironman 70.3 which is one of the most popular and highly competitive triathlons in the world. Vineman Ironman 70.3 is in its 19th year.
In 2009 Alexander has already shown his dominance in the Ironman 70.3 Series. In his first win since his Ironman Championship, he finished first over a very impressive field at Ironman 70.3 Geelong (Australia). The following month Alexander claimed his second victory of the year in a very competitive field at the Singapore 70.3. Afterwards, he stated, “. . . it was a good early season test for me knowing that although I was not 100 percent fit, physically I was in a good place for that time of year.”
His words proved prophetic when in the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii he overcame an eight minute deficit, running down Chris Lieto for the win. His most recent victory at Ironman 70.3 Boise was a full-on sprint alongside Chris Lieto for an exciting finish line victory. He will return to Kona in October to defend his 2008 championship title.
The Vineman Ironman 70.3 should prove to be another exciting day of racing as Alexander comes up against fellow countryman Luke McKenzie who finished third in the Hawaii Ironman 70.3; newcomer to the 70.3 series, Reinaldo Colucci of Brazil; and another fellow Aussie, Joe Gambles, who took third place at Ironman 70.3 Boise.