2021 Ironman champions crowned

SPORT

STAFF WRITERS

Email
Last updated:
Kiley Simpson winning the Ironman Cairns - Photo Korupt Vision.

Max Neumann and Kylie Simpson have been crowned champions at the Cairns Airport Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship, coming out on top at the 10th anniversary of the event.

Neumann made it back-to-back Ironman Cairns titles, with Simpson finishing on the top step of the podium in just her second Ironman race.

However, the event was marred by tragedy following the death of an athlete during the swim leg of the race.

Max Nuemann on the Ironman Cairns finish line. Image: Korupt Vision.

Ironman champions

Brisbane based Neumann crossed the line in 7:58:54, almost eight minutes ahead of Tim Van Berkel with Josh Amberger third.

The now two-time Ironman Cairns champion was at the front of the field all day, coming out of the water hot on the heels of Amberger, with the pair powering ahead over the 180km bike course. Neumann pushed ahead on the run, extending his lead as he worked his way along the Cairns foreshore.

“It feels pretty special to come out here and execute a near perfect race for me, I just took no risks, just stayed calm and stayed patient and got the job done, it’s a special feeling,” said Neumann.

“I think this win feels a little bit more special, I think it’s the atmosphere, just the way that the event has come together this year without many restrictions just makes it feel that little bit more special, I think most athletes will say the same.

“My whole family was here, my partner and friends, to have them all here makes it a lot more special,” he said. 

Winner Max Neumann during the bike leg. Image: © Geoff McLean - Gone Riding Media 2021.

Brisbane athlete Kiley Simpson won her first Ironman title in just her second professional race, after debuting at the highest level at Ironman Cairns in 2020.

Simpson crossed the line in 9:06:34, more than three minutes ahead of reigning Ironman Cairns champion Amelia Watkinson, with South Australian Chloe Lane four minutes behind in third.

Simpson worked her way through the field over the day after coming out of the water in 10th position, 20 minutes down on the leader.

It was the run where she excelled, after coming off the bike 19 minutes behind Lane she powered through coming from sixth to take the lead with just over 12km left to go.

“I feel really good, I’m really happy with today, I knew that I would have a lot of work to do on the bike and then hope that I could run them down and it worked, that was the plan,” said Simpson.

“This win is amazing, it’s the first win for me and the first time on the podium as a professional so it’s very special.

“I came out of the swim in 10th place so I knew that I had a lot of work to do and it was just head down on the bike, it was very windy out there so I just put in as much work on the bike as I could to catch up and I knew I’d have my work cut out for me to run them down,” she said.

Simpson’s win qualified her for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii later this year.

Local Port Douglas Rider rider Leigh Brown on the bike leg. Image: © Geoff McLean - Gone Riding Media 2021.

Event marred by tragedy

Event officials have confirmed an athlete competing in Sunday’s Ironman has passed away after coming into difficulties during the swim leg of the race in Palm Cove.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our athletes at the Ironman 70.3 Cairns triathlon,” an Ironman spokesperson said in a statement.

“The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of Sunday’s race at Palm Cove.

“We thank the swim safety and emergency services personnel for their response to provide the athlete with medical support.

“Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we will continue to support during this difficult time.”

Winner Max Neumann during the bike leg. Image: © Geoff McLean - Gone Riding Media 2021.

Ironman Cairns final standings

PRO MEN

Max Neumann, AUS, 7:58:54
Tim Van Berkel, AUS, 8:06:38
Josh Amberger, AUS, 8:10:11
Simon Hearn, AUS, 8:11:20
Mike Phillips, NZL, 8:17:02
Levi Maxwell, AUS, 8:19:11
Tim Reed, AUS, 8:26:08
Ben Phillips, NZL, 8:32:27
Fraser Walsh, AUS, 8:41:45
Simon Billeau, FRA, 8:44:47

PRO WOMEN

Kiley Simpson, AUS, 9:06:34
Amelia Watkinson, NZL, 9:09:51
Chloe Lane, AUS, 9:13:59
Penny Slater, AUS, 9:18:18
Renee Kiley, AUS, 9:21:49
Vanessa Murray, AUS, 9:25:40
Rebecca Clarke, NZL, 9:38:57
Courtney Gilfillan, AUS, 9:52:59

Thank you!

Newsport would like to thank the following businesses on behalf of the readers for their direct contribution to coverage of Douglas Shire Community Sport.

Douglas Shire Council
The Tin Shed
Port Douglas Dentist
The Mossman Bowls Club
Port Irrigation
Papillon Landscapes

Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.