The dynamics of today's women's Ironman World Championship race has changed significantly with the news of Chrissies Wellington pulling out.
UPDATE:
More details on Chrissie Wellington's decision Not To Race today. Story link via triathlete.com
CHRISSIE WELLINGTON IS OUT: (an official statement) It is with huge regret and after much soul searching that due to illness Chrissie has announced that she is unable to race. Chrissie started feeling unwell yesterday and attempted to train as normal but without her usual intensity. Chrissie left racking her bike until the last minute and hoped that by this morning her health would have improved sufficiently to start. Chrissie has described this as the hardest decision of her life to date and out of respect for the race and her fellow competitor's feels that she should only start if she can compete in the manner that the sport of triathlon has become accustomed to. Chrissie would like to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe race.
More details on Chrissie Wellington's decision Not To Race today. Story link via triathlete.com
Without Wellington in this field, the race tactics for many of the women has change without notice. Most have trained with Chrissie in mind and now that she's not in the race; they have to maintain focus and do what they are accustomed to.
We will have to see if 2009 runner-up Mirinda Carfrae can pull off a victory with a fast run, but she has Julie Dibens to contend with.
