The Ironman UK 70.3 2011 champion, Mikel Elgezabel. has announced that he will be returning to Wimbleball to defend his title in 2012.
The Spaniard wasn’t amongst the favourites last year, but a killer bike leg over the hills ensured that he pressed on to victory - beating the likes of race day favourite Stephen Bayliss.
The 2012 race is shaping up to be a cracker and, whilst still too early for he full pro field to be announced, already contains Jon Hotchkiss, Stephen Bayliss, Mark Threlfal, Erich Wegscheider, Kamil van Beijnum, Oliver Simon and Martin Cain. Keep an eye out for Nick Baldwin as well - this young age grouper is a strong candidate for overall amateur and is aiming to turn pro in 2013.
In the ladies, we will see Bella Bayliss in action here again and Corrine Abraham will be looking for KPR points and a podium. Interest in the age group race comes in the form of former track world cycling champion, Rebecca Romero as she continues her Ironman journey towards a target of sub-11 hours in Bolton.