Neumann makes it a trifecta in Ironman event
Back to back for Cairns Ironman Event
“Goosebumps and your hair standing on end as you race through those crowds.”
The cheers roared as he crossed the finish line punching down the tape. Max Neumann realising he had done the unthinkable.
Three straight Cairns Airport Ironman events and defending his title as the Ironman Asia-Pacific Champion.
“To cross that line and run through the crowds was something really special to me,” Neumann told Newsport.
Speaking with us prior to the race he understated his ability heading into this year's Cairns Airport Ironman which was run on the weekend.
He said that his goal was to be fully pushed in an Ironman competition, something he said he had never really experienced.
“I would love to run and have a battle to the end with somebody. I have always had something left in the tank.”
On reflection this kind of race or battle is yet to come however his three-way battle throughout the day with world champion Braden Currie and Sam Appleton was something the winner took great pride in.
“I knew Currie was in the form of his life and he wouldn’t have entered this if he didn’t have any expectation of winning. Appleton ran a race I wasn’t expecting – a huge competitor.”
Sticking to his guns
As if winning his third straight title wasn’t enough the Brisbane based athlete did so, beating his time by six minutes completing the course in seven hours and fifty-two minutes.
Knowing his competition going into the event he was aware of the challenge that World Championships finisher, Braden Currie, would provide – trading leads with him throughout the event.
A specialist across all three disciplines; in water, on bike and the running leg he sat second out of the water behind Sam Appleton before mounting the bikes.
On the second lap of the cycling stage Currie took over pushing the champion to third for that period.
On foot and cutting through the margin with 30 kilometres left to run Neumann moved up to second and was only 1:13 behind leader Braden Currie before taking over and running home to claim the victory – his running leg once again showing where his dominance and ability lay.
“It’s a pretty special race for me. All the family comes up and I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
“To win here again and this year with everything back to normal and the crowds makes it even more special.
“I came off the bike feeling pretty fresh, I was patient and stuck to the plan. Stuck to my guns and it worked out.”
Crowley conquers
Sarah Crowley claimed the women’s professional title for a second time with last year’s female champion, Kylie Simpson, taking the podium finishing third.
“I love this race and it was my first Ironman win so it means so much to me,” Crowley said post-race.
Race in paradise
The Cairns Airport Ironman has become a drawcard for the region and in its eleventh year it welcomed back international tourists for the first time in two years.
Regional Director of the Ironman Group Oceania, Leanna Ali, was greatly pleased by the event and what it delivers for the region.
“Ironman Cairns is an incredibly important event for the region bringing more than 3,500 athletes to take part.
“We were thrilled to be able to welcome athletes from more than 25 countries back to the region again after the border closures over the last two years.
“Each year Ironman Cairns injects around $11m into the local community, and with many businesses still feeling the effects of the pandemic it’s great that we were able to bring athletes, their friends and families to the region to be able to spend money locally.”
Managing Director of the Ironman Group Oceania, Geoff Meyer, was proud of the turnout and the event this year.
“It was great to see so many athletes out enjoying themselves and achieving their goals at the Cairns Airport Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship.
“It’s easy to see why this event is so popular with athletes, the region turned out to be a perfect day for an Ironman.
“It’s incredible to see how the local community embraced this event, the roads were lined with spectators all day and our amazing volunteers and partners made sure that the event was another Ironman Cairns to remember.”
The event had sixty qualification slots to this year’s Ironman World Championships to be held in Kona, Hawaii later this year.
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