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Ironman City in Klagenfurt is simply littered with athletes and spectators out and about ahead of Sunday’s Ironman! The Company Triathlon Challenge, Europe’s first IronGirl and the Ironkids have all taken their turn at sampling the impressive Finish Line!

On Thursday (1^st July) proceedings were kick started with the Kleine Zeitung Company Triathlon Challenge. At 18h30 the lake was strewn with relay teams, and individuals, preparing for the official start. First there was the 380m swim, followed by the 18km cycle and finally the 4.2km run. It may only be 10% of the full Ironman distance but athletes took it seriously and were out to do their very best, jostling to be first across the line!

Friday (2^nd July) brought more sunny skies and with it the Pasta Party in the Ironman Dome. Thousands of athletes headed for the tent to sample the pasta, carbo load and build friendships at the ever popular event. Children carrying the official flags of the countries represented at Ironman Austria where met with loud cheers from the athletes. Reigning champion Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL), 2009 second placed finisher James Cunnama (RSA) and Austrian PRO representatives, Michael Weiss and Norbert Langbrandtner, walked along side their flags and added to the excitement of the evening.

The Expo is still in full swing and the atmosphere is electric – Sunday may be race day but there is still time to shop! Exhibitors have the latest training equipment, Ironman apparel and nutrition on display and athletes are soaking up the vibe at Ironman City. Registration has closed and athletes have spent the morning attending race briefing – offered in various languages – in the Ironman Dome. For those athletes eager to test the waters the popular Swim | Breakfast was offered during Race Week. Athletes had the opportunity of swimming part of the swim route before heading back to the shores for a welcome breakfast at the Ironman Village. Bike Check-In is from 13h00 to 19h00 today (Saturday 3^rd July) – then most athletes will put their feet up for a well deserved rest ahead of the 07h00 start tomorrow.

The Ironmen will have their turn tomorrow but on Saturday morning (3^rd July) it was all about the ladies. Ironman Austria offered the ladies the first official European IronGirl and this was met with much excitement. Brandishing their pink t-shirts and IronGirl race numbers the ladies were treated to a warm-up by the official cheerleaders at the start line. Then it was off for a 4.2km run! Still all smiles when they crossed the finish line the ladies showed the men how it was done. An Awards Ceremony was held in the VIP area and the fairer sex were treated to fruit cocktails and an aerobic display before the awards were handed out.

Move over Ironmen … let the kids show you how it is done! At 14h00 on Saturday afternoon hundreds of excited, and slightly nervous, children lined up for the start of the popular Hypo Group Ironkids Aquathlon. Sporting their Ironkids t-shirts and ready for what the race had to offer the kids set off at a furious pace. The warm weather meant that the swim was a welcome reprieve before they took to the run route. Finishers were welcomed home across the official Ironman finish line which marked the end of another successful Ironkids event.

Sunday will mark the start of the 12^th edition of the Kärnten Ironman Austria here in the beautiful city of Klagenfurt. The focus will shift to the PRO’s, especially Marino Vanhoenacker as he attempts to claim an unprecedented 5^th title, but as the day draws on and night falls eyes will turn to the Age Group athletes as they race against the clock to make it across the finish line before the cut-off at midnight.