OCEANSIDE, Calif.-Two-time Ironman World Champion Luc Van Lierde will compete in the 2002 Ralphs California Half Ironman, taking place on Sunday, May 19 in the city of Oceanside. Van Lierde has not only claimed two Ironman World titles in Kona, but also holds the course record for the event, posting an overall time of eight hours, four minutes and eight seconds back in 1996.

The 32-year-old Belgian also holds the record for the fastest time in Ironman history, posting a time of seven hours, 50 minutes and 27 seconds to earn the Ironman Germany title back in 1997. He is one of only five Ironman athletes to break the eight-hour barrier (Germanyıs Jurgen Zack, Thomas Hellriegel and Lothar Leder, and Canadaıs Peter Reid being the others.)

"Anytime you can add an Ironman World Champion to your race, it is a big deal," said Ralphs California Half Ironman Race Director Chris Gdanski. "We expect a great field for the event, as it fits well into many of the pros training schedules."

Athletes will be competing for $25,000 in prize money (pros only) and 20 qualifying spots for the 2002 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Also up for grabs will be 25 qualifying spots for each of the five Ironman North America events (Ironman Utah, HSBC Ironman USA Lake Placid, Subaru Ironman Canada, Ironman Wisconsin and Ironman Florida.)

There are still open spots remaining for the Ralphs California Half Ironman. Log onto www.ironmancalifornia.com to register, or for more information.