Ironman today announced the addition of the Ironman Tallinn triathlon. The inaugural race will take place on 4th August 2018.

The new race will take place in Estonia’s capital of Tallinn, located at the Baltic sea. Considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval cities of Europe, Tallinn is home to 445,000 people and has gained a reputation as Europe’s “Silicon Valley”.

“With its long and colorful history, Tallinn and its people are looking forward to applauding the triathletes’ commitment to Ironman. I believe that the Ironman Tallinn triathlon in our beautiful and modern city will be a very positive experience for everybody,” said Mihhail Kõlvart, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.

Tallinn will become only the second capital in Europe to host an Ironman event, sharing this distinction with Denmark’s KMD Ironman Copenhagen. The race will be the second Ironman event in Estonia after SIS Ironman 70.3 Otepää.

“Triathlon has seen fantastic growth in Northern and Eastern Europe over the last few years. We are excited to build on the success of SIS Ironman 70.3 Otepää and celebrate Estonia’s 100th birthday with a new race in our capital – a city that has traditionally been a connecting point for travelers,” said Ain-Alar Juhanson, race director for Ironman in Estonia.

“We are thrilled to present our first Ironman event in Northeastern Europe,” said Hans Peter Zurbruegg, Managing Director for Ironman Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Ain-Alar and his experienced team have created a remarkable Ironman 70.3 event in Otepää and we are very much looking forward to our premiere event in Tallinn.”

The race will begin with a single-loop 3,8 km (2.4-mile) swim in the Baltic Sea near the Seaplane Harbour museum. Athletes will then continue on a two-loop 180,2 km (112-mile) bike course which leads along the coastline and nearby villages. The final 42,2-km (26.2-mile) four-loop run will take participants through the historical city center of Tallinn, an UNESCO world heritage site, and finish on Freedom Square.

Ironman Tallinn will offer 40 age-group qualifying slots for the 2018 Ironman World Championship being held in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i.

General registration for Ironman Tallinn will open at 4 p.m. CET on Monday, August 28, 2017 at www.Ironman.com/tallinn. Athlete inquiries may be directed to [email protected]

Triathlon’s top talent will come together in Chattanooga, Tennessee for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship taking place on September 9 and 10. Boasting one of the most competitive professional fields in the sport, the event will make history in the Southeastern U.S. this September with the women’s field racing on Saturday and the men’s field racing on Sunday.

“The professional field set to compete is unquestionably one of the deepest in recent history,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer for Ironman. “Chattanooga will no doubt be an excellent host to the best talent from around the world as they converge on the Scenic City next month. We are all extremely excited to debut this new two-day format allowing for both women and men to have their day of competition and celebration.”

Returning to the lineup to defend her title will be 2016 Ironman 70.3 World Champion Holly Lawrence (GBR). With victories already this year at the Ironman 70.3 North American Pro Championship, St. George, Ironman 70.3 Oceanside, Ironman 70.3 Santa Rosa, and Subaru Ironman 70.3 Mont-Tremblant, Lawrence’s flawless season has proven that she will yet again be tough competition in an impressive professional field.

The 2014 and 2015 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and defending Ironman World Champion, Daniela Ryf (CHE) will be looking to add a third Ironman 70.3 World Championship title in four years. Also vying for the title will be 2011 and 2013 Ironman 70.3 World Championship winner and last year’s Ironman 70.3 World Championship runner-up Melissa Hauschildt (AUS). Ryf and Hauschildt both have an opportunity to become the first triathletes to win three Ironman 70.3 World Championship titles and will push the pace for the rest of the field.

Challenging these world champions is a group of talented women looking to break through, led by likes of Jeanni Seymour, Laura Philipp and Heather Wurtele, who has been on the podium at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship the past three years.

Below is the pro women’s start list for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship:

BIB	LAST	FIRST	COUNTRY REP
1	Lawrence	Holly	GBR (United Kingdom)
2	Luxford	Annabel	AUS (Australia)
3	Philipp	Laura	DEU (Germany)
4	Seymour	Jeanni	ZAF (South Africa)
5	Crowley	Sarah	AUS (Australia)
6	Hauschildt	Melissa	AUS (Australia)
7	Salthouse	Ellie	AUS (Australia)
8	Pallant	Emma	GBR (United Kingdom)
9	Wurtele	Heather	CAN (Canada)
10	Ryf	Daniela	CHE (Switzerland)
12	Smith	Lesley	USA (United States of America)
14	Chura	Haley	USA (United States of America)
15	Kaye	Alicia	USA (United States of America)
16	Watkinson	Amelia	NZL (New Zealand)
17	Spieldenner	Jennifer	USA (United States of America)
18	Brandon	Lauren	USA (United States of America)
19	Frederiksen	Helle	DNK (Denmark)
20	Tisseyre	Magali	CAN (Canada)
21	Huetthaler	Lisa	AUT (Austria)
22	Seymour	Natalie	GBR (United Kingdom)
23	Huse	Sue	CAN (Canada)
24	Morrison	Kimberley	GBR (United Kingdom)
25	Riveros	Barbara	CHL (Chile)
26	Roy	Stephanie	CAN (Canada)
27	Vaquera	Judith	ESP (Spain)
28	Eberhardt	Anna	HUN (Hungary)
29	Jerzyk	Agnieszka	POL (Poland)
30	Riesler	Diana	DEU (Germany)
32	Wassner	Laurel	USA (United States of America)
33	Brennan Morrey	Ruth	USA (United States of America)
34	True	Sarah	USA (United States of America)
35	Linnell	Allison	USA (United States of America)
36	Hector	Alice	GBR (United Kingdom)
37	Tastets	Pamela	CHL (Chile)
38	Jackson	Heather	USA (United States of America)
39	Schulz	Jenny	DEU (Germany)
41	Czesnik	Maria	POL (Poland)
42	Juhart	Monica	AUS (Australia)
43	Pomeroy	Robin	USA (United States of America)
44	Roberts	Lisa	USA (United States of America)
45	Palacio Balena	Romina	ARG (Argentina)
46	Lester	Sarah	AUS (Australia)
47	Joyce	Rachel	GBR (United Kingdom)
48	Jahn	Kirsty	CAN (Canada)
49	Furriela	Carolina	BRA (Brazil)
50	Annett	Jen	CAN (Canada)
51	Stienen	Astrid	DEU (Germany)
52	Jalowi	Annett	DEU (Germany)
53	Cravo De Azevedo	Luiza	BRA (Brazil)
54	Belanger	Valerie	CAN (Canada)
55	Wendorff	Amanda	USA (United States of America)
56	Komander	Ewa	POL (Poland)
57	Drewett	Hannah	GBR (United Kingdom)
58	Naeth	Angela	CAN (Canada)

BIB	LAST	FIRST	COUNTRY REP
1	Reed	Tim	AUS (Australia)
2	Appleton	Sam	AUS (Australia)
4	Don	Tim	GBR (United Kingdom)
5	Kienle	Sebastian	DEU (Germany)
7	Dreitz	Andreas	DEU (Germany)
8	Butterfield	Tyler	BMU (Bermuda)
9	Mendez Cruz	Mauricio	MEX (Mexico)
10	Von Berg	Rodolphe	USA (United States of America)
11	Raelert	Michael	DEU (Germany)
12	Gomez	Javier	ESP (Spain)
14	Clavel	Maurice	DEU (Germany)
15	Reid	Taylor	CAN (Canada)
16	Costes	Antony	FRA (France)
17	Collington	Kevin	USA (United States of America)
18	Hanson	Matt	USA (United States of America)
20	Gambles	Joe	AUS (Australia)
21	Tutukin	Ivan	RUS (Russian Federation)
23	O’Donnell	Tim	USA (United States of America)
24	De Elias	Mario	ARG (Argentina)
25	Chevrot	Denis	FRA (France)
26	Thomas	Jesse	USA (United States of America)
27	Quinchara Forero	Carlos Javier	COL (Colombia)
29	Heemeryck	Pieter	BEL (Belgium)
30	McMahon	Brent	CAN (Canada)
32	Laundry	Jackson	CAN (Canada)
33	Jarrige	Yvan	FRA (France)
34	Chrabot	Matt	USA (United States of America)
35	Van de Wyngard	Felipe	CHL (Chile)
36	Weiss	Michael	AUT (Austria)
37	Cunnama	James	ZAF (South Africa)
38	Dirksmeier	Patrick	DEU (Germany)
39	Colucci	Reinaldo	BRA (Brazil)
41	Wiltshire	Harry	GBR (United Kingdom)
42	Scott	Drew	USA (United States of America)
43	Kalashnikov	Ivan	RUS (Russian Federation)
44	Leiferman	Chris	USA (United States of America)
45	Plese	David	SVN (Slovenia)
46	Jolicoeur Desroches	Antoine	CAN (Canada)
47	Kanute	Ben	USA (United States of America)
48	Amorelli	Igor	BRA (Brazil)
49	Cartmell	Fraser	GBR (United Kingdom)
50	Wurtele	Trevor	CAN (Canada)
51	Carrillo Avila	Alan	MEX (Mexico)
52	Watson	Eric	BHR (Bahrain)
53	Polizzi	Alexander	AUS (Australia)
54	Otstot	Adam	USA (United States of America)
55	Crawford	Guy	NZL (New Zealand)

The 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship triathlon will offer a $250,000 total professional prize purse which will be distributed to male and female first through tenth place finishers.

In addition to the competitive professional field, approximately 4,500 registered age-group athletes representing more than 90 countries, territories and regions from around the world are expected to compete at this year’s Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Two of the biggest names in IRONMAN racing, aussies Luke Bell and Tim van Berkel are returning to IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast to headline the pro field and test themselves on the tough 2016 World Championships course.

The veteran Bell is set to re-invigorate his racing season that stalled with an uncharacteristic and almost unbelievable DNF at IRONMAN Cairns, while Van Berkel is using the Sunshine Coast race as a tune up for his assault on the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.

Bell’s IRONMAN Cairns was one of the shortest on record, when he was pulled out of the water by the rubber ducky (IRB) no more than fifty metres off shore.

“The main challenge of the first half of the year was supposed to be IRONMAN Cairns but unfortunately when the gun went off and I dived in the water, I dived onto the feet of a couple of guys in front of me and cracked a rib within the first few strokes. So that ended that goal. It was a very quick trip.”

“That is the nature of IRONMAN, you spend a lot of time and effort hoping everything is going to be good on one day. It is either good or it is not, but that is the way it is and we are all used to it. You just put it behind you and move on. I rested up fully for about three weeks and did what I could that was pain bearable, but it took me 4-5 weeks all up to recover.”

Back in peak fitness Bell is keen to leave Melbourne and head north to the warmth the Sunshine Coast and show everyone that at 38, he is still a force in the world of IRONMAN 70.3.

“It has been a couple of years since I have actually raced on the Sunshine Coast so I am happy to hear that they are using the 2016 World Championship course. A challenging bike course is always better than an out and back on a freeway. It keeps it honest and makes sure that someone who is good over all three disciplines wins the race.”

“The Sunshine Coast is one of those places that everyone in Australia likes to race. Whether it is the 70.3, or Mooloolaba. Over the years coming up through the juniors and all the age groupers racing Moooloolaba and the ITU events, it is a place that everyone is very familiar with. You look forward to getting up there hanging out on the beach and spending a few days in an enjoyable family oriented location.”

“Sunshine Coast 70.3 is great preparation for the guys heading over to Kona because it is about four weeks out and you also have the young guys trying to make their mark on the 70.3 world coming up through. It is a great opportunity for them and it gets everyone in the one spot at the one time and we try and belt the hell out of each other,” he said.

One of those athletes looking for a last minute tune up for the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona is Tim Van Berkel who has done IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast twice with mixed results.

“I DNF’d the first time but the second time I won in 2015, so I have good memories there and I am looking forward to having another crack at it.”

“The bike is changed from the year I won it but the swim and the run are the same. It is awesome that they are keeping the World Championship course from last year because it has a harder ride that goes out into the hinterland. Being a smaller guy and it being pretty hilly I think it will suit me. When the bike is hard, packs split up a bit and it takes the sting out of some of the faster runner’s legs. I think the new bike course is the way to go.”

“Everything is about Kona for me I am hoping to get back in the top ten like I did in 2014 and that is the big goal. The last two years I have been really disappointed with my results there and I want a top ten and I am putting all my eggs into that basket.”

“IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast is five weeks out from Hawaii and it is my last solid hit out. It is perfect for me because all I have to do is jump in the car and head three hours north and I am there.”

“I love racing up that way and I am expecting a very strong field to turn up. It is a triathlon Mecca up there in Mooloolaba and Maroochydore with the ITU and the 70.3 racing and the 70.3 Worlds last year. I love racing in Australia and I like to come home in good form so I am really looking forward to it,” he said.

Last fall, GU Energy Labs turned to its community of athletes to nominate and vote for the next great Energy Gel flavor. After the votes were tallied, GU’s innovation team hit the kitchen to bring the voter’s choice flavor to fruition. The company announced the launch of “Cola Me-Happy” Energy Gel, the first in a series of special-made “Small Batch” flavors made at their headquarters in Berkeley, CA..

“Our community of athletes constantly inspires and challenges us to come up with new flavors, and some of their ideas can be unique,” said Magda Boulet, vice president of innovation, research and development, GU Energy Labs. “Our innovation team loves tinkering in the kitchen. We love creating flavors that will satisfy our athletes’ taste buds while training and racing. It’s the best part of our job.”

The family owned company has been manufacturing all GU Energy Gel flavors at its headquarters in Berkeley, Calif., since, 1983. GU currently has 27 vibrant flavors of Energy Gels in its line, joined by Cola Me-Happy, which is available now for a limited time. All “Small Batch” Collection flavors will be sold in 8-packs only, exclusively through www.guenergylabs.com.

Cola Me-Happy, box of 8 MSRP $12.00

Cola Me-Happy Energy Gel packs a light sweetness, and it is a refreshing and tasty take on a classic aid-station favorite. Created for daily training, the Cola Me-Happy Gel packs energy-dense calories in a portable 100-calorie packet to keep athletes light on their feet and flying past the competition.

Cola Me-Happy Energy Gel provides carbohydrates that use non-competing pathways to help maximize absorption and utilization while diminishing stomach distress. As well as providing the optimal level of sodium, the primary electrolyte lost in sweat, to ensure hydration by maintaining water balance while branched-chain amino acids reduce mental fatigue and decrease muscle damage.

Melissa Bodeau, who nominated the winning flavor, said she is extremely excited to see Cola Me-Happy be brought to life. “The packaging is absolutely perfect, and it’s so neat to have the opportunity to train with a flavor that I dreamt up,” Bodeau said.

The packaging on the Cola Me-Happy Gel was inspired by a piece of art commissioned by GU from California artist and trail runner Maggie Tides, titled “Places We Play,” which celebrates the beautiful trails, hills, roads and water in the Bay Area of Northern California.

For more information about the “Small Batch” Collection, or to purchase the new flavor, visit www.guenergy.com/small-batch. To learn how to incorporate this flavor into a nutrition plan for a race or training session, visit www.guenergy.com/nutrition-plan.

Tim Don and Jeanni Seymour both came from behind to run to victory at Ironman 70.3 Boulder last weekend. Here’s how the races played out.

Men’s Race

The men’s swim saw Aussie Jake Montgomery chasing Matt Chrabot, with Matt Franklin following close behind. Chrabot made it out of the water in the lead, finishing in just 24:44, while Montgomery was seconds behind, making it out of the water in 24:46.

The leading pair maintained their position at the front, ahead of a solid chase pack of Tim Don, Drew Scott, Rodolphe Von Berg, Ben Hoffman, Justin Metzler and Matt Franklin.

Impressively, Montgomery and Chrabot maintained their lead as the run began. Behind them, infamously strong runner Tim Don made his way into third place.

Throughout the run though, Don was able to set the fastest time and take the lead, running to victory in 3:41:32. Matt Chrabot made it to second, while Ben Hoffman finished in third.

Women’s race

Alicia Kaye set the fastest swim time of 26:52, with Katy Evans finishing in 27:56, and Leanda Cave chasing hard making it out of the water just behind her in 27:58.

As the bike leg got well underway, Kaye maintained her lead, building it to a huge two minutes by the 13-mile mark. Chasing her was Leanda Cave, Jeannie Seymour, Christen Brown and Katy Evans.

After the second transition, Kaye was still in the lead but the run was where things were about to change. Jeanni Seymour was only 1:20 behind Kaye at the transition, which set her up perfectly for the rest of the run where she ran to victory, finishing in 4:07:56. Lesley Smith made it to second, while Alicia Kaye finished in third.

Javier Gomez Noya triumphed in Montreal in a fierce race and very windy conditions. Blummenfelt and Murray chased close behind to round out the podium.

The swim was anyone’s race, and by the start of the bike leg it was destined to be a battle between the top seven riders, including Gomez, Blummenfelt and Brownlee and more. South African Richard Murray chased hard and reached the leaders in the bike, setting himself up for the run.

“I know that about halfway through the second lap that it was possible to catch Johnny,” said Murray. “I saw the pace difference.

ITU run sets Gomez up for victory

Most exciting though was the run. As Gomez flew through the second transition, he took the lead and didn’t look back, finishing the race in 01:47:50.

“It was a really good course,” said Gomez. “A lot of spectators, and it’s always nice to see people cheering.

“A few Spaniards are on holiday here as well, supporting us. I hope they keep doing this race because it’s one of the best ones.”

Mola retains top spot on the ITU leaderboard

This victory ended fellow Spaniard Mario Mola’s impressive winning streak this year, where Mola has run to victory in four huge events.

“That’s racing,” said Mola. “Of course I wanted to keep the momentum I had, but the guys in front did well.

“I emptied the tank on the bike. I tried to start hard on the run. Halfway through the run my legs said ‘that’s enough, that’s all you have today.’ So I made it to the end with what I had left.”Mola finished in 14th place, perhaps out of steam after his win in Edmonton last week.

While Mola may maintain his first place on the leaderboard, Gomez is now in second place, so it remains to be seen who will take out the final victory after Stockholm later his month and the final in Rotterdam in September.

1. Javier Gomez Noya 01:47:50
2. Kristian Blummenfelt 01:48:05
3. Richard Murray 01:48:42