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Ironman Branson 70.3 takes place this weekend, just one week after the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas.
Athletes will start the swim in Table Rock Lake and then begin a challenging bike course that offers mountaintop views. The three-loop run course will end in front of a multi-million dollar fountain and athletes will enjoy a fire show set to light and music.
In the men’s race, pro triathlete Ben Hoffman is back to defend his title and is set for a podium finish. Hoffman has had a successful 2011 season with first-place finishes at Ironman 70.3 Muncie and Boise, as well as a second-place finish at Ironman Lake Placid. He is a strong long-course athlete without much competition in this race. Fellow competitor Matt Lieto is also gunning for the top spot. His best finish this year is third at Ironman Hawaii 70.3.
On the women’s side, Svetlana Blazevic of Serbia is on the starting list. She took up triathlon after a successful swimming career. She recently placed ninth at Ironman Klagenfurt. Germany’s Nina Kraft will also be toeing the start line. She recently won the annual Great Clermont Triathlon.
The weekend’s events include a concert Friday night for athletes at The Landing.
Tentative Professional Line-Up:
Males:
Ben Hoffman
Ian Mikelson
Matt Lieto
Brandon Jessop
Females:
Svetlana Blazevic
Morgan Chaffin
Jamine Oeinck
Angela Naeth
Nina Kraft