Ironman and Olympic specialists to clash at Coral Coast

Posted in Other News

Cairns, Australia May 30, 2013: Some of Australia’s best triathletes across all forms of the sport are set to clash this Sunday at the Coral Coast Triathlon 5150 .

The race, which kicks off the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival, will showcase some of the biggest names in the sport across all disciplines.

The field includes an IRONMAN World Champion, Commonwealth Gold medallist, Olympic representatives and an Olympic Bronze medallist.

Photo Credit: Chris McCormack – Delly Carr

In the men’s race two-time IRONMAN World Champion Chris McCormack will be joined on the start line by Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Brad Kahlefeldt.

Having now turned his attention to the longer form of racing, including the Ironman 70.3 and Ironman distance, the Coral Coast Triathlon, may be the last Olympic distance race Kahlefeldt does for the foreseeable future.

“I decided to race the 70.3 series after the London Olympics. After 15 years of racing Olympic distance I felt like it was time to try something new,” said Kahlefeldt.

“I haven't ruled out another Olympics but want to focus more on longer course racing now. I’ll try to master the half distance first then move up to the full.”

Five-time Ironman winner Luke McKenzie will be on hand to keep McCormack and Kahlefeldt honest, as will a plethora of 70.3 specialists including Joe Lampe, Matt White and Tim Van Berkel.

In the women’s race Ironman specialists Australia’s Ange Castle and Michelle Wu, and US athlete Beth Walsh will have their work cut out for them trying to keep up with London Olympic Bronze medallist and two-time World Champion Emma Moffatt.

Photo Credit: Emma Moffatt – Eyes Wide Open Images

The Coral Coast Triathlon 5150 is a tradition in Tropical North Queensland that joined the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival for the first time in 2011. Taking place on the 2 June 2013, the Coral Coast Triathlon starts and finishes in the paradise of Port Douglas with a course featuring Four Mile Beach.
The 2013 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival runs from 2 - 9 June, 2013.

Photo Credit: Emma Moffatt – Eyes Wide Open Images

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

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