A very disappointed Raynard Tissink (RSA) was forced to withdraw from the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa, and defend his current title, due to an ankle injury.

Tissink has had a series of successful Ironman races in the United States and Europe this year and was feeling strong and ready for the third annual South African Ironman 70.3 and was hoping to make it a hat trick of wins at the event. In his pervious two races in Buffalo City Tissink has dominated on the bike and held onto his lead on the run finishing comfortably ahead of the chasing pack.

The injury occurred while he was doing some off road motor biking and fell off his bike. He twisted his ankle very badly and damaged his Achilles. Although there have been some notable improvements allowing him too tentatively swim and ride he is still unable to run on his ankle.

As Raynard said, "I am very disappointed at not being able to defend my title for a third time. This is an awesome race with a route that really suits my strengths, so I would have loved to be out there on race day. This break though, does force me to rest after a very busy year of racing and means that I can focus on a steady build up to the Spec-Savers Ironman SA. I'm sure that James Cunnama will still keep the SA flag flying high on race day.”

Tissink has indicated that he will still be at the event on Sunday, 17th January to lend his support in spite of the fact he is unable to race.