The contract with Puma is a major boost for the 32-year-old Port Elizabeth resident Tissink who has won Ironman titles across several continents - in South Korea, South Africa, Canada and Austria - as well as securing several top five finishes.
In 2004 Tissink became the first South African to place in the Top 10 of the Ironman World Championships, a feat he repeated in 2005.
With a sponsorship from Puma, Tissink looks set to beat the world's best in 2006. He will be supplied with Puma footwear, apparel and accessories as well as Puma lifestyle wear.
Tissink will defend his Ironman South Africa title in Port Elizabeth on Sunday 19 March 2006. The athletes will contest a 3.8km swim across Algoa Bay, before taking on a 180km cycle and finishing off with a 42.2km full marathon.
For more information visit www.ironmansouthafrica.com or www.raynardtissink.com.
