Hy-Vee Anounces First Round Of Qualifiers

We now know the names of 43 athletes who will compete in Des Moines, Iowa for the richest prize purse in the sport. The 2012 Hy-Vee 5150 U.S. Championship gives $151,500 to each of the winners and features 10 primes throughout the swim, bike and run worth $5,150 each.

Both defending champions have different focuses this year, but they’ll still make the start in hopes of regaining their titles. Greg Bennett will use the Hy-Vee 5150 U.S. Championship as a lead-up event to both the Ironman World Championship 70.3 and Ironman World Championship, while 2011 women’s champ Lisa Norden of Sweden is a top contender at next week’s Olympic Games.

The complete pro field, which will likely include a few other Olympic athletes, will be finalized next month.

PHOTOS: 2011 Hy-Vee 5150 U.S. Championship

Men
1. Filip Ospaly CZE 3550
2. Tim O’Donnell USA 3505
3. Greg Bennett (AQ) AUS 3050
4. Matt Reed USA 2610
5. Clark Ellice NZL 2505
6. James Seear AUS 2505
7. Paul Matthews AUS 2500
8. Joshua Amberger AUS 2340
9. Benjamin Collins USA 2300
10. Chris Foster USA 2260
11. Cameron Dye USA 2175
12. David Thompson USA 2090
13. Jordan Jones USA 2075
14. Stuart Hayes GBR 2020
16. Travis Johnston ZAF 1790
17. Ruedi Wild CHE 1750
22. Kris Gemmel NZL 1485
24. Dylan McNeice NZL 1420
25. Mark Threlfall GBR 1355
26. Michael Fox AUS 1350
27. Tim Reed AUS 1345

Women
1. Kelly Williamson USA 3300
2. Sarah Haskins USA 3000
3. Lisa Norden (AQ) SWE 3000
4. Alicia Kaye USA 2975
5. Mirinda Carfrae AUS 2830
6. Liz Blatchford GBR 2550
7. Margaret Shapiro USA 2545
8. Nikki Butterfield AUS 2265
9. Laura Bennett USA 2250
10. Daniela Ryf CHE 2250
11. Radka Vodickova CZE 2070
12. Angela Naeth CAN  2060
13. Jodie Stimpson  GBR 2000
14. Jilian Petersen USA 1985
15. Becky Lavelle USA 1930
16. Annabel Luxford AUS 1925
18. Lucie Zelenkova CZE 1600
19. Jenna Parker USA 1540
20. Lisa Marangon AUS 1500
22. Jennifer Tetrick USA 1410
23. Leanda Cave GBR 1360

60. Melissa Rollison (AQ) AUS 660