Some of Australia’s best long-course triathletes will converge on the Bellerine Peninsula this weekend for the Baker Institute IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong.
In what will be a clash of the long course titans, with the Australian Long Course Triathlon Championships and the State Championships to be contested, the field will see a host of heavyweights on the start line.
Off the back of a stong 2019 season, triathlon’s youngest IRONMAN distance champion, Tim Van Berkel, will be one to watch. The three-time champion produced seven podium finishes across 70.3 and IRONMAN distance racing last year, but Van Berkel admits he has his sights set high for 2020.
“The early season goal is IRONMAN Australia, and I’m hoping to punch my Kona ticket there,” Van Berkel said.
“Then it will be all about the IRONMAN World Championship.”
“I’m hoping for a podium finish, but [Geelong] is my first race for the season, so it’s always an unknown as to where my fitness is actually at.”
“Reedy [Tim Reed] and I went and did a week [at Boali Lodge, Thredbo]…The mountains are great for riding and running, and the pool is fantastic and quiet, especially at this time of year.”
Van Berkel will have his work cut out for him in Geelong, with a world-class field set to take to the start line on Sunday.
IRONMAN 70.3 Champions Josh Amberger and Sam Appleton are among those likely to be in the mix for medal positions come Sunday.
Three-time IRONMAN World Champion Craig Alexander and 70.3 World Champion Tim Reed (2016) also adding to the list of household names set to contend the Australian title.
Melbourne local Grace Thek will lead the charge for the Australian women in Geelong, with the seasoned runner and 2018 Japan IRONMAN 70.3 Champion looking to start her year with an Australian Championship title under her belt.
Thek will be joined by IRONMAN 70.3 stalwarts Emily Loughnan and Lauren Dennis, with 2018 Under-23 Cross Triathlon World Champion Penny Slater also set to contest as she continues to move into the professional long course triathlon scene.
The Aussies will find themselves up against some strong competition with the Czech Republic’s Radka Kahlefeldt, and New Zealand’s Hannah Wells and Rebecca Clarke all making the trip to Geelong ahead of Sunday’s race.
Fans of Kahlefeldt and Wells can expect yet another clinic display from the international pair, with both athletes in top form following their respective wins and a second-place finish at last weekend’s Challenge Asia Pacific Championships in Wanaka, New Zealand.
IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong has long been the best-kept secret on the Oceania circuit, with a stunning venue and world-class course, there is also a lot on the line for those contending.
Eighty slots for IRONMAN 70.3 Taupō, which includes an additional 25 slots for female athletes, the National Long Course Championship title on offer, and the Victorian Long Course State Championships title will be a focus of those racing this weekend.
IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong commences at 7:00 AM am on Sunday 23 February. For all event information, please visit the IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong webpage.
