Tran-Tasman battle looming in Cairns

Posted in Other News

Cairns, Australia May 29, 2013: The field for the women’s IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns immediately throws up two standouts to take the 2013 crown.

New Zealand’s most decorated female triathlete Sam Warriner, and current IRONMAN Australia Champion Rebecca Hoschke.

Warriner has achieved success at both Olympic distance and Ironman 70.3 and will enter the race as raging favourite.

Photo: Rebecca Haschke claims her first Ironman win at IRONMAN Australia.
Credit: Emily Dimozantos

Warriner returned to racing in April this year after the birth of her daughter Lola-Rose in July 2012. She admits it has been a long road back, but is enjoying the balance of motherhood and elite athlete, although admits without her support network it would not be possible.

“I could not do what I am doing if it was not from the support of my husband Stephen and our live-in grandparents. With them and the help of Brett Sutton and Team TBB I do have a very exciting few years ahead,” said Warriner.

“I have been racing well in the USA. But this is just one step in my journey to coming back, and I still have a long way to go.

“My goals for Cairns are like any other race. Just try to do my best and have fun. Obviously I would like a solid swim, strong bike and a steady run.”

After notching up her first Ironman title at last month’s IRONMAN Australia, Port Macquarie Hoschke will be on the start line full of confidence, and with some serious kilometres in her legs.

“I'm excited about being part of the Cairns Adventure Festival as I absolutely love racing up there. I was initially going to race the Ironman event; however I felt I needed more space to absorb my result in Port Macquarie.
“Changing to the 70.3 felt the right choice and still allows me to be part of this fantastic event. This race is also very important to me in that I will be racing for Tanya Roneberg, a local Ironman competitor. Roneberg was hit by a car and killed in early May this year while out on a ride, and supporting the Cairns community.

“There are lots of friends racing both the Ironman 70.3 and Ironman and I'm looking forward to cheering these guys on and supporting athletes throughout the day. The festival has a fantastic atmosphere and the community and volunteer support behind the event makes it a stand out on the circuit. A key reason I just love to come back each year.”

About Ironman
The iconic Ironman® brand and event series is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Since its inception in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines at the world’s most challenging endurance races. Recognized for excellence through distinguished events, world-class athletes and quality products, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner and operator of Ironman, has grown from a single race to a global sensation with more than 180 events across five unique brands: Ironman, Ironman 70.3®, 5150™ Triathlon Series, Iron Girl® and IronKids®. With support from partners, including Timex, PowerBar, K-Swiss and TYR, more than 200,000 athletes compete each season in the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series. For more information, visit www.ironman.com

For more information visit www.ironmancairns.com

The Cairns Airport Adventure Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events across the State.

Issued on behalf of USM Events…..

Ian Hanson

FOLLOW HMG NEWS & EVENTS ON TWITTER/LIVE UPDATES