OCEANSIDE, Calif.-Tim DeBoom, the current Ironman World Champion, will compete in the Ralphs California Half-Ironman set to take place on Sunday, May 19 in the city of Oceanside. DeBoom claimed his first-ever World title in 2001 with a time of 8:31:14. The 31-year-old DeBoom has been a top contender around the world for the past five years finishing third in Kona in 1999, second in 2000 and posting Ironman wins at Ironman New Zealand (1999) and Ironman California (2001).

One a plethora of top triathletes from the Boulder, Colorado area, DeBoom comes from a strong family of triathletes (brother Tony and wife Nicole are both pro triathletes). DeBoom is the second Ironman World Champion to announce his intent to compete in the Ralphs California Half Ironman. Two-time Ironman World Champion Luc van Lierde of Belgium announced his intent to compete last week.

The event marks a defense of sort for DeBoom, who claimed the Ironman California title in 2001. Tim and his brother Tony provided triathlon fans with a memorable day, finishing 1-2 at the 2001 event.