220 contributor gets Kona slot
Mark Kleanthous to return to Kona after 20 years
Many congratulations to regular 220 contributor Mark Kleanthous, who today heard that he’d won one of only two GB slots to the 2010 Ironman World Championships on 9 October.
Mark recently completed Ironman China, which allowed him to enter the Kona lottery that allocates 50 slots to entrants outside the US.
“I suffered three punctures in the race but you have to have finished an Ironman within 12 months of the Ironman World Champs 2010 to enter the lottery, so it’s just as well I didn’t give up,” said an elated Kleanthous.
Mark last completed Hawaii in 1987 where he posted a 10:57:20. Back then he rode on a steel frame, 32-spoke wheels and without tri-bars. Understandably, his aim is now to beat his 1987 time.
“Quite frankly I still can’t believe it and I keep wanting to punch my fist in the air.”
Mark joins Christopher Gair from Dundee, who was the only other Brit to grab a slot from the 50 slots available outside the US. Germany won 14 slots while Italy, Austria and Belgium took one each.
Good luck to both from Team 220.
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
