Internationals to return to Ironman
Cairns Ironman to be raced with great benefit to region
The Cairns Airport Ironman has become a drawcard for the region and in its eleventh year it will welcome back international tourists for the first time in two years.
Following the lockdowns and border closures this will be a coup for the region not only economically but also for the tourist appeal Far North Queensland has to offer.
Bringing together a world heritage listed rainforest and one of the natural wonders of the world in the Great Barrier Reef the race as become known as the ‘Race in Paradise’.
Held on the 12th of June the event will attract participants from all walks of life including past winners as well as former Brisbane Bronco, Nick Kenny.
Former Bronco bucks for event
From 2005-2011, Kenny spent seven years playing in the NRL for the Broncos with 78 appearances but was forced to retire after a sustaining a career-ending neck injury.
The thirty-nine-year-old is now based in Cairns but travels around the Northern Territory, visiting remote Indigenous communities through his work as a physiotherapist.
He got involved in the sport out of a want to stay fit after his rugby league career ended.
“When I moved to a small town there wasn’t much team sport available so to keep fit the only option I really had was running and from that I started getting into doing middle to long distance events.
“Then I had a friend suggest I get into swimming and riding and then I had a crack at a triathlon and enjoyed it.”
Training in a different environment to most he takes great enjoyment from the opportunity.
“To me it is a time to switch off from everything in your busy life and be out in nature.”
Crowned champion competes again
Last year the winners were Max Neumann and Kylie Simpson.
Simpson finishing on the top in just her second Ironman race, after debuting on the professional level at the same event the year before.
Brisbane based Neumann made it back-to-back Ironman Cairns titles, crossing the line in 7:58:54, almost eight minutes ahead of Tim Van Berkel with Josh Amberger third.
He spoke to Newsport about his experiences, highlights and goals going into this event.
“I entered that first Cairns event (in 2020) and had a good day, then came back the next year and had another good day – it suited my style of racing.”
A specialist across all three disciplines; in water, on bike and the running leg, it is the last leg he showed where he can push ahead extending his lead last year.
In a niche event with a small community of competitors compared to other sports Neumann was eyes on the prize and still hungry for further success.
“Everybody knows each other, we know what kind of form we are all in – everybody keeps an eye on each other.
“It looks like the podium finisher from the World Championships, Braden Currie, will be coming to Cairns this year. He is in the form of his life so it will be interesting.”
Neumann returns this year in an attempt to make it three peak podium finishes in a row at the event – with this firm in his mind he told us he had another goal to achieve.
“I feel like I’ve never been fully pushed in an ironman competition, and I really would love to run and have a battle to the end with somebody. I have always had something left in the tank.”
Mayor ready for event to deliver
Mayor Michael Kerr has great passion in the event and what it does for the region.
“For Douglas Shire, Cairns Ironman is a double-edged sword.
“It is effective in building awareness of the FNQ region, and showcases the Great Barrier Reef Drive, sandwiched between two world heritage listed attractions, like no other event could. Cairns CBD is certainly buzzing with athletes in the week leading up to the race, creating an awesome atmosphere
“And if we can attract more people to Cairns, they will flow out to places like Port Douglas, Daintree and the Tablelands.”
The Mayor told Newsport that the return of international tourists will deliver benefits for the region.
The event has sixty qualification slots to this year’s Ironman World Championships to be held in Kona, Hawaii later this year.
There will be a number of road closures and changed traffic conditions from Yorkeys Knob to Port Douglas in place on June 12 to ensure safe passage for participants. For more information on road closures, car park closures and runners on pathways, please visit the Cairns Ironman website or phone the IRONMAN hotline on 1300 761 384.
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