For statistic freaks: Including the Final there are 33 races in 18 different countries (14 Europe – 10 America – 9 Asia/Oceania). Most single races (4) in China, Mexico and USA.

It will be a real final, all decisions will we set in this race ! Ladies first. It looks very bright for Suzy Walsham (AUS) to claim her 9th title since 2009. But like last Cindy Harris (USA) blinks on the trophy, but more theoretical this year. In case of Cindy’s win a 15th place for Suzy would be enough for the Singapore living Australian athlete
Not less than six athletes are still in the race for podium spots: Muhua Jian (CHN), 2011 Champion Cristina Bonacina (ITA), Maria Elisa Lopez (MEX), Kamila Chovanicova (SVK), Ilona Gradus (POL) and Sonja Shakespeare (GBR). Due to too few races this season Valentina Belotti (ITA) cannot jump into the Tour Top3, but she is a hot candidate for any of the podium places at the race itself.

This time more excitement is in the male race. We have four applicants for the trophy. Due to an indirect unforeseeable influence (Dec 1 Hong Kong race cancelled) the October Ranking leader and five time defending Champion Piotr Lobodzinski (POL) starts with only the 4th best score of points before Shanghai ! His advantage is, that with a win he can collect more points than the others, but in the virtual lead we have Wai Ching Soh from Malaysia in only his 2nd full season. Chasing the trophy too are Alexis Trujillo from Mexico and the German Görge Heimann. Still in the race for the runner up spot of the season is Frank Carreno (COL). And there is Mark Bourne (AUS) in top shape with recent convincing wins over Piotr in Osaka and Wai Ching in Melbourne. Mark and Japanese Ryoji Watanabe (in the classic Asian duel with Wai Ching) could be key factors in the decision ….

The tension increases