Women take centre stage at Challenge Bateman’s Bay

Great Britain’s Liz Blatchford and American Mary Beth Ellis are two of the world’s best long distance athletes on the circuit and will headline a deep women’s field at Challenge Bateman’s Bay this weekend.

Gold Coast-based Blatchford exploded onto the long course scene back in 2012 after a long and successful ITU career. The 34-year-old admits she still has a lot to learn and gaining strength on the bike is a focus but will go into Challenge Bateman’s Bay as a favourite.

After a 2014 season that started by winning the Huskisson Long Course and included three podiums places and a victory at Ironman Cairns, she ended her season with a win at Challenge Forster.

“I’m looking forward to racing Challenge Batemans Bay. It looks like a stunning location and course, which is always a drawing factor,” said Blatchford.

Blatchford is building into her 2015 season and targeting the half distances in the early months.

“It fits nicely with my season. I’m focusing the first part of my year on half distance races before getting into the longer stuff. I’ve trained well for the past month so will be excited to test my fitness ove.....

......http://www.challenge-family.com/women-take-centre-stage-at-challenge-batemans-bay/