, was runner-up last year in Kona, her first race there as a pro. She also won the ITU Long Distance World Championships. This year she has won Ironman Australia (9:29:54), and Ironman Germany (9:12:13). The former pro cyclist is a powerhouse on the bike

going into the World Championships.Chris Lieto (US)Lieto is one of the strongest cyclists on the circuit and it was his power that gave him the edge in this year's extremely windy Ironman Texas 70.3. He won Ironman Japan in 2006, Ironman Canada in 2005

The women's raceWellington leads brilliant Brits at KonaChrissie Wellington turned in the most extraordinary performance in her remarkable career to win her fourth Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Not even a torn pectoral muscle