Top triathletes to battle for Mercuryman title

(CNS): Cayman’s annual, one-of-a-kind half Ironman distance triathlon this coming Sunday in East End is attracting some of the leading athletes in the Ironman sport. Former downhill ski champion American Lisa Roberts, who is an Ironman and 70.3 specialist; American triathlete and trainer Emily Cocks; Canadian triathlete, dietician and former ballerina Jennifer Lentzke; USA triathlon coach Kim Schwabenbauer; and former competitive gymnast American Charisa Wernick will be competing alongside Cayman’s triathletes.

The competitors will be pushing themselves through a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike race and a 13.1 mile run, a real test of the athletes’ endurance.

Race Director Trevor Murphy said he was delighted that so many big names on the international triathlon circuit had committed to competing in Mercuryman 2015.

“Generali Mercuryman 2015 will be a truly unique event that will see athletes at the top of their game compete, while at the same time supporting the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation, an important charity that continues to advocate the equality of women and girls within our Cayman community,” he said.

Lisa Roberts has had an unbelievable 2013-14 triathlon and cycling season, placing highly in every race she has entered. Her strengths are her bike/run combination and she often is the fastest run or bike split of the professional women. Roberts teaches bicycle safety classes as a League Cycling Instructor, volunteers at local events and takes a great interest in helping children lead active, healthy lifestyles. During 2014 she was one of the top 20 female pros at the Ironman World Championships. She finished on the podium at Ironman France, Lake Placid and Los Cabos.

Charisa Wernick has also had high placings from competing in a wide variety of events, including the Superfrog half (first), the Weymouth England Full (sixth), the St Andrews half (second) and the San Diego International Triathlon (first). Jennifer Lentzke has had a string of 70.3 successes in 2014, notably achieving her personal best in the Texas event, finishing in the top 15 Pro Female for the Wildflower- Long Course Triathlon. Emily Cocks also had a great year, finishing first in both the Rolf Prima Tri at the Grove event (2:07:38) and the Santa Cruz Triathlon (1:57:06). Kim Schwabenbauer also excelled last year, placing third in Ironman Melbourne, eighth in the Eagleman 70.3 and second in the Ironman Lake Placid.

As well as Generali Worldwide’s sponsorship, organisers would also like to thank Tower, Health City Cayman Islands, EuroCar, Regenexx, CUC, KRyS Global, Cayman National and Caledonian for their kind support of this exciting event.

For more information visit www.mercurymantri.com