Kona 2013

[ahmedbadat]

luke mckenzie gonna take it I think, I think he has two or three big wins already this year.

[Garfield2010]

Garf - tell us about your ADSL TV

 

Its a Samsung TV. It has Wifi and can receive a Wifi signal (like a laptop).

 

So my ADSL is connected to a router which sends out a wireless signal. Anything in my house can therefore access internet like you would with your laptop in a coffee shop (TV, PS3, Cell Phones and tablet). Only difference is that this ADSL line is a 7meg line so it is lie Garf at Ironman - super fast....

 

So we watch youtube HD videos without lag etc. I will therefore go to youtube and look for the live ESPN race streaming. Its ok quality.

[Garfield2010]

luke mckenzie gonna take it I think, I think he has two or three big wins already this year.

 

Well honestly if anyone deserves it then it is Andreas. He has like 4 podiums in the last 5 years or something......... Unfortunately I think the mechanics are changing. Usually you only saw oldish (34+) guys win it... Now days it is the young guns that run the sport.... Kienle, von Lierde and these guys...

 

I think Alexander is too old at 40.

[sluiper]

Sub 8 at Roth? Seems quick to me

 

 

Yes, but course record is nearly 20 minutes faster

 

Not saying he isn't fast, just that there are a bunch of guys that know the stage and can bring it on the day.

 

Would be super happy if he did make top 5, though.

Edited October 8, 2013 by sluiper

[Jono Waddell]

Its a Samsung TV. It has Wifi and can receive a Wifi signal (like a laptop).

 

So my ADSL is connected to a router which sends out a wireless signal. Anything in my house can therefore access internet like you would with your laptop in a coffee shop (TV, PS3, Cell Phones and tablet). Only difference is that this ADSL line is a 7meg line so it is lie Garf at Ironman - super fast....

 

So we watch youtube HD videos without lag etc. I will therefore go to youtube and look for the live ESPN race streaming. Its ok quality.

 

That must use a huge amount of data??

[Garfield2010]

Yes, but course record is nearly 20 minutes faster

 

Not saying he isn't fast, just that there are a bunch of guys that know the stage and can bring it on the day.

 

Would be super happy if he did make top 5, though.

 

Look it is all relative...

 

Raynard did Roth in 08h07 (or something) and came in top 5 at Kona.

 

Sebastian Kienle did Roth in over 8 hours (only just) and came in top 5 at Kona.

 

Pete Jacobs did a 08h02 & 08h09 at Roth and won Kona.

 

Routes are changed, weather changes there are too many variables.

 

Andreas did a 07h40 Roth but have never won Kona....

 

My point is don't say a guy who has done a sub 8 hour race is too slow to go top 5 or even win in Kona......

 

James is South African. He knows the heat and it has been proven that on 80% of the time it is a runner that wins Kona and not an uber biker... Ask Chris Lieto and Vanhoenacker.

 

But lets wait and see....

[Red Zone]

My men's podium, Pete Jacobs, James Cunnama, Sebastian Kienle. A little optimistic with James in second, but that boy has the goods and will win Kona at some point.

 

Ladies race is going to be even better than the mens, I go for Xena, Jodie Swallow (optimistic again - but since she is a Saffa, sort off...) then Mirinda Carfrae for the podium.

[Garfield2010]

My men's podium, Pete Jacobs, James Cunnama, Sebastian Kienle. A little optimistic with James in second, but that boy has the goods and will win Kona at some point.

 

Ladies race is going to be even better than the mens, I go for Xena, Jodie Swallow (optimistic again - but since she is a Saffa, sort off...) then Mirinda Carfrae for the podium.

 

Freddy von Lierde

Sebastion Kienle

Dirk Bockel

 

Cunnama 6th

 

Kyle to win his age group

[JGR]

Look it is all relative...

 

Raynard did Roth in 08h07 (or something) and came in top 5 at Kona.

 

Sebastian Kienle did Roth in over 8 hours (only just) and came in top 5 at Kona.

 

Pete Jacobs did a 08h02 & 08h09 at Roth and won Kona.

 

Routes are changed, weather changes there are too many variables.

 

Andreas did a 07h40 Roth but have never won Kona....

 

My point is don't say a guy who has done a sub 8 hour race is too slow to go top 5 or even win in Kona......

 

James is South African. He knows the heat and it has been proven that on 80% of the time it is a runner that wins Kona and not an uber biker... Ask Chris Lieto and Vanhoenacker.

 

But lets wait and see....

Good points made!

 

The other guy maybe edge James on the mental side of things but that to be expected given the relative expereince.

 

Poor Chris ... watched some cool youtube clips of his training. Seems like a top bloke

[sluiper]

I like Dirk Bockel for a podium because he competed with a broken hand and managed to get a top 10 last year. Seriously hardcore.

 

Also, soft spot for Faris al-Sultan who can rock a Speedo like it's no one's business.

[bradwentzel]

Raelert!

[shawnvan]

On the AG side, I'll be following SA rep and one of my squad mates, Mark Pellew (M35-39), Bib No. 1421.

The man has been training like a demon - 1,000km bike week, anyone? - and in seriously top form.

 

On the Pro side - cool Slowtwitch write-ups on the favourites:

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Opinion/2013_Kona_Men_s_Favorites_3937.html

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Opinion/2013_Kona_women_s_favorites_3943.html

[Garfield2010]

Thanks svan

[travisza]

Pete Jacobs, Raelert, and van Lierde for the podium.

 

Crowie top 5 (would love to see him podium)

 

James to round out top 5. (maybe more heart than head in this vote)

[gummibear]

Hoff's race day machine in full battle dress

 

[gummibear]

I like Dirk Bockel for a podium because he competed with a broken hand and managed to get a top 10 last year. Seriously hardcore.

 

Also, soft spot for Faris al-Sultan who can rock a Speedo like it's no one's business.

 

Dirk hurt his knee about 4 weeks back.Not in the shape he should be but hope he gets a podium finish.