CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-Two-time Ironman World Champion Natascha Badmann will compete at the Isuzu Ironman California triathlon on Saturday, May 19.
   Rumors surrounding Badmann competing in the Camp Pendleton event were finally confirmed today, as Badmann will join fellow former Ironman World Champion Heather Fuhr as a favorite in the women¹s event.
   Badmann claimed the 2000 Ironman World Championship title by dominating on the bike finishing with an overall time of nine hours, 26 minutes and 17 seconds, almost three minutes ahead of Canadian standout Lori Bowden.
   The Swiss standout claimed the 1998 World Championship title as well with a time of 9:24:16.
   Badmann, 33, who was also second in Kona in 1996, raced in her first Ironman event outside of Hawaii back this past January, finishing second at Ironman Malaysia.
   Now Badmann turns her attention to Isuzu Ironman California.     
   ³Getting a current Ironman World Champion to race at our event is great for both the competitors and for fans of Ironman, said Isuzu Ironman California Race Director Buzz Mills. ³The women¹s race is shaping up to be quite a battle with two athletes who have won the World Championship in the field.