Deep Pro Field Racing Ironman 70.3 EagleMan

Fifty professionals will toe the line at the 17th running of the EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan this Sunday, June 9 in Cambridge, Md., to compete for their share of a $50,000 prize purse. The race typically draws a strong age-group field to the Mid-Atlantic as well, as it’s the only Ironman 70.3 in the continental U.S. that awards slots to this year’s Ironman World Championship. EagleMan is the largest Ironman 70.3 event in the Mid-Atlantic region, and is known for its challenging course and conditions, typically consisting of heat, winds, choppy water and little shade.

In the men’s race, American Andy Potts highlights the start list—he’s a former 70.3 world champion, multiple 70.3 and Ironman champion and can be very dominant at this distance (remember his Oceanside win this year, where he outran Jesse Thomas in the final 200 meters?). His top competition will come from speedy veteran Greg Bennett, who’s fresh off a dominating Ironman 70.3 Raleigh win last weekend, and 2012 Challenge Roth winner James Cunnama of South Africa. Another podium contender is Ukrainian athlete Viktor Zyemtsev, a multiple Ironman champion who’s familiar with this course—this will be his fourth EagleMan appearance.

RELATED: Meredith Kessler Tries New Strategy For 2013

The women’s race will see an even deeper field of pros. American Meredith Kessler will be defending her EagleMan title—she’s a multiple Ironman champion whose season is off to an impressive start, including a win at the competitive U.S. Pro Championship at Ironman 70.3 St. George last month. Battling her for the crown will be former Ironman and 70.3 world champ and two-time EagleMan winner (2009 and 2011) Mirinda Carfrae of Australia. Other top contenders are American and two-time Olympian Laura Bennett, who also just won Ironman 70.3 Raleigh last weekend, and Canadian Angela Naeth, a multiple 70.3 champion and strong cyclist. Danish ITU athlete Helle Fredriksen, who won her first attempt at a non-drafting race at Ironman 70.3 San Juan this season, has a great shot at the podium. Also keep an eye out for Kiwi Anna Cleaver and American Haley Chura (this year’s Ironman 70.3 New Orleans champ) to be the first women out of the water.

RELATED – Oceanside Analysis: Andy Potts’ Win

Men:
Andy Potts (USA)
Greg Bennett (USA)
James Cunnama (RSA)
Viktor Zyemtsev (UKR)
James Bowstead (NZL)
David Kahn (USA)
Mark Bowstead (NZL)
Kyle Pawlaczyk (USA)
Jack Smith (USA)
James LaMastra (USA)
Holden Comeau (USA)
Logan Franks (USA)
Sean Sullivan (USA)
Grant Bovee (USA)
Jordan Jones (USA)
Robert Wade (USA)
Justin Park (USA)
Kevin Danahy (USA)
Ryan Bates (USA)
Ryan Kelly (USA)
Jason Watson (USA)
Igor Amorelli (BRA)
Thiago Vinhal (BRA)
Nathan Buttrick (USA)
Chris Boudreaux (USA)

Women:
Meredith Kessler (USA)
Mirinda Carfrae (AUS)
Laura Bennett (USA)
Angela Naeth (CAN)
Anna Cleaver (NZL)
Kristin Andrews (USA)
Sarah Piampiano (USA)
Amber Ferreira (USA)
Heather Leiggi (USA)
Suzy Serpico (USA)
Florence Chretien (USA)
Haley Chura (USA)
Helle Frederiksen (DEN)
Carrie Lester (AUS)
Annie Gervais (CAN)
Tenille Hoogland (CAN)
Beth Shutt (USA)
Ashley Clifford (USA)
Lauren Capone (USA)
Jenna Parker (USA)
Liz Baugher (USA)
Michelle Mighdoll (USA)
Robin Sandos (USA)
Kendra Lee (USA)
Mariana de Andrade (BRA)

The event is produced by TriColumbia. For more information on the 2013 EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon, visit Tricolumbia.org.

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