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Highlights from the Ironman World Championship Press Conference

Ironman World Championship Press Conference 2013

At the Ironman World Championship Press Conference in Kona, Hawaii, World Triathlon Corporation CEO Andrew Messick kicked off the press conference by announcing some new races for 2014. There are now 35 Ironman races, and 65 Ironman 70.3 races in the Series.

The new races are: Ironman Mallorca, Ironman Malaysia, Ironman 70.3 Budapest, and Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya.

In the pro press conference, all the pros held their cards close to their chest. All proclaimed that they are confident, in shape and ready to go for the race on Saturday.

Mary Beth Ellis said she is just happy to be racing and will give it her best shot – despite her collar bone injury. “The athlete I am now is better in some ways. I think I’m mentally tougher.”

 

Defending Champion Leanda Cave had an injury-plagued season but has World Championship titles at virtually every distance so she knows how to win. It is the first time since March that she has been pain free. “I feel like I’m 100% and we’ll see what happens on Saturday.”

 

Defending Champion Pete Jacobs looked and sounded especially confident. “I am lot more relaxed and confident this year than I was last year.”

 

Three-time Kona champion Craig Alexander said that this is likely his last year racing at the Ironman World Championships. It is just too much of a sacrifice of time away from his young family. He still plans to continue racing triathlons though.

 

You can view the whole press conference at Livestream.

https://new.livestream.com/ironman/imkona/videos/31937032

Check out this video of the famous underpants run. Now bigger than ever.