Rachel Joyce celebrates a 2nd place in South Africa (10.04.2011)

Ironman South Africa was held for the 7th time this year. The athlete’s field was the strongest Port Elisabeth ever saw before. Rachel Joyce and Swen Sundberg fought for points and good results.

The weather plays an important role in the Eastern Cape region. That is the reason why all the athletes are interested in the weather forecast. A few days before the race a cold front went through which brought rain and a wavy sea. But on race day everything was perfect – sunny, no wind and calm sea.

On time at 7 o’clock 1800 athletes ran into the Indian Ocean – pros as well as age-groupers to do 2 loops in the sea. Surprisingly the German Andi Böcherer came out of the water on the first position with no one on his side. One minute behind him the favourites came and after another minute Swen jumped on his bike. After a few minutes on the bike everything seemed to be sorted as the Belgium Marino Vanhoenacker and local Raynard Tissink took over the lead. Swen started well and did not loose time. Then he got problems with his back. He stopped twice which just helped a few minutes. On the run it became worse so that he had to drop out. On the other side local hero Raynard Tissink had a perfect day and could win the race for the second time in a row. Andi Böcherer started into 2011 also with a sensational performance and placed 2^nd in front of another South African, James Cunnama.

The women just came out of the water with the best men. Rachel had a solid swim, was second out of the water, 40 seconds in front of her main opponent Chrissie Wellington. But Wellington pushed hard and she took over the lead soon. It did not seem that she would let anyone else cross the finish line before her. Which in the end happend. But Rachel positioned herself on 2^nd place which she also kept the entire way to finish line though she had also some problems with her back. After she crossed the line she almost could not walk.

With that race Rachel finished the Ironman race which is required for the Hawaii qualification. Beside that she got enough points that she does not has a qualification pressure any more. Now she will enjoy some days in South Africa before she thinks about some new goals.