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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, October 20, 2006

Australian seeking to add 'dream' title to resume

 •  With loss comes gain for Big Island resident

By Ron Staton
Associated Press

Ten years after joining the professional triathlon circuit, Australian Chris McCormack has won nearly every one of the sport's titles, especially the shorter distance races.

Tomorrow, he hopes that his fourth shot at what he says is "the last race I want to win in my career" — the Ironman Triathlon World Championship — will be successful.

"It would fulfill a dream; it would mean a lot," McCormack said.

McCormack failed to finish in his first attempt in Kailua, Kona, over the course that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile run. The following year he finished in 16th place, and was sixth last year.

Earlier this year, McCormack won Ironman Australia for the fourth consecutive time, and on July 2 won the Ironman in Roth, Germany. He also won the half-Ironman in England on June 18.

McCormack said he expects his toughest competition will come from defending champion Faris Al-Sultan, 2004 winner Normann Stadler, both of Germany; Cameron Brown of New Zealand, who was second last year, and Rutger Beke of Belgium, who was fourth.

RACE INFORMATION

Tomorrow's race starts at 6:45 a.m. with the swim for the professionals; other competitors follow at 7 a.m. The finish line is open until midnight.

To follow competitors during the race, visit: http://ironman.com/worldchampionship