Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney announced
Penrith will host the new Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney triathlon at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
The race will take place on Sunday, November 30, 2014, complementing Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie race held since 2006 and Ironman Australia Port Macquarie.
The race joins with more than 70 events held in 24 countries that serve as qualifiers for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
The course is nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains and will utilize the iconic Penrith Lakes, located at the International Regatta Centre, for the swim. The bike course will include breathtaking mountain views and the final run leg of the race, which encircles the venue, will provide a great access to spectators for the entire race.
Ironman plans on making the race a platform for upcoming starts. “Our athlete-support focus will go towards providing an opportunity for the very best of the emerging crop of athletes,” said Geoff Meyer, Ironman Asia-Pacific CEO. “We are passionate about nurturing and providing pathways for our up and coming talent in this sport and felt this event is the ideal candidate to launch this new concept.”
Professional young athletes such as Sam Appleton (AUS), James Hodge (AUS), Josh Amberger (AUS) and Andrea Forrest (AUS) will be target the new race.
Amberger recently claimed victory at the 2013 Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie and Appleton placed second.
“It’s great to have this opportunity as a young athlete moving into Ironman 70.3,” said Amberger.
“I’m really excited to have an Ironman 70.3 event in Western Sydney so close to where I live and train. The Ironman 70.3 series is booming in Australia and I think it shows by the talent that we have in this country. It will be great to have another competitive race to add to the calendar,” said Appleton.
Hodge is already a two-time Ironman 70.3 triathlon champion and is eager to be involved in the inaugural event in Western Sydney. “I’m extremely excited to be a part of a fresh new Ironman 70.3 race in Australia and they couldn’t have chosen a better location to host it. I am looking forward to being one of the first people to finish this course,” Hodge said.
“I’m really excited to have an Ironman 70.3 event on my doorstep, this event is what Sydney needs. It’s a great location for the race,” said Forrest, who finished third at Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie.
More details
• 35 age-group qualifying spots for the 2015 Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
• Professional prize purse of US $25,000.
• 1,400 age-group and professional Ironman competitors will complete a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and a 21.1km run.
• Swim – will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
• Bike – athletes will experience breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains as they escape the city hustle and bustle on the two lap cycle course.
• Run – re-lives the best of the 2000 Olympic venue as the two-lap run course encircles the iconic Penrith Lake.
Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2014. For more information visit www.Ironmanwesternsydney.com.
