Press release:
Full pre-race interview with Bella Comerford
What brings you to Ironman Lanzarote, have you not done enough racing?
- No I haven't done enough racing, this is just the beginning! The reason why I am coming to Lanzarote is because of my coach. He was desperate for me to get my name on the start list for this race for a long, long time now. He thinks it will suit me, so I am excited to come and race it. I do actually enjoy hills and I am a tough person.
You won at Ironman Florida last November. Could you not find a more different course on the planet than Ironman Lanzarote versus Ironman Florida? Why would you be more suited to this one?
- I won at Embrun last year before Florida, and I had a great race there as well. So I think I will be ok. I think Florida was not really suited for me but on the day it did suit me. But I think this will actually suit me better.
You also have a pretty crazy schedule. You just raced last weekend at the ITU world championships in Ibiza. Are you worried at all about the recovery time in between?
- Six days is not much time at all. I have psyched myself up for this and I am dealing with it fine. My body is not really tired after that race the only slight problem is that I did not wear socks last weekends on the run. I thought I would be ok for 30 K but I realized now that wasn't the case. My feet are a bit of a mess but they will be fine by Saturday! I was 4 th in Ibiza, which I was really happy about, except a bit frustrated, as I was only 6 seconds of the 3 rd position and a medal. But I did everything I could so that's the way it is!
Have you had a chance to look at this course very much?
- I haven't had much chance to look at it. Although I have been to Club La Santa two times in the last 2 years, so I have biked most of the course in the past 2 years. But not so much recently!
What and possibly who are you the most worried about?
- To tell you the truth I have not really examined the start list, I never do. Who else is here, doesn't bother me I have a job to do. I go and do my job and if I can do that to the ability that I think I can, I can have a successful day. But whoever else is there doesn't bother me at all.
Is the ultimate goal Hawaii?
- Hawaii, I am going there this year to give myself a first chance of being a world champion. My coach has made me believe that it takes maybe more than just the first year to become a world champion at Hawaii! I probably need more experience but he was very keen for me to get to Hawaii to have my first experience and a building block to my future.
A course like this that everyone talks about being so tough with all the climbs and big hills I guess just suits you just fine?
- Yes I am happy to just give it a good go and I feel I am tough enough. I have been warned by a lot of people of how tough it is so I am well prepared and have no doubt. I will be ok.
Bella Comerford finished 3 rd on Staurday 17 May, behind Maribel Blanco and Ute Schaefer. An incredible performance, but, completely exhausted, Bella said she would not repeat two long distance races at so close dates.
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