Shortis and Biscay arrive in Madison as favorites

Ford Ironman Wisconsin event considered one of the most popular Ironman events

Ford Ironman Wisconsin has quickly become one of the most popular Ironman events in the world, joining the likes of Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid and Subaru Ironman Canada as one of the top events on the North America Sports schedule.

Ford Ironman Wisconsin also provides the unique backdrop of downtown Madison, as athletes will finish their day directly in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol building.

Competitors at Ford Ironman Wisconsin begin their day with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona, followed by a 112-mile bike ride throughout Dane County and then a complete marathon (26.2 miles) in and around the downtown area.

Maik Twelsiek of Germany and New Zealander Gina Ferguson who both claimed their first Ironman victory in the 2007 edition of Ford Ironman Wisconsin. This year the pro field will have a strong Australian flavor with multiple Ironman winner Jason Shortis and Chris McDonald on the men’s side. American Hillary Biscay and local favorite Lauren Jensen will also be returning to race in Madison.

Shortis has won five Ironman titles, the most recently at Ironman Japan in May 2008. He has a remarkable record at his home race, Ironman Australia, posting top ten finishes twelve times and placing in the top three eight times. McDonald finished second at last weekend’s Ford Ironman Louisville.

Hillary Biscay has a number of top Ironman finishes but her first title has eluded her to date. Biscay, currently residing in Texas, finished second at the 2007 Ford Ironman Wisconsin and just last weekend finished fourth in Louisville. Jensen has placed in the top five in each of the last four years at Ford Ironman Wisconsin, her best finishes came in 2004 and 2005 when she placed second.

More than 2,000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete in the Madison event, as competitors will be vying for 72 qualifying spots to the 2009 Ford
Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $30,000 pro prize purse.

We’ll have live updates, timing, athlete tracking and video from Ford Ironman Wisconsin here on Ironman.com.