How to Watch: The Men's Ironman 70.3 World Championship Taupo
Hayden Wild's bold 65-minute run prediction sets the stage for a proper Sunday scorcher, as Olympic medallists and long-course legends battle it out in Taupo.
Right, time to reset those alarms because Sunday's men's race at Taupo is shaping up to be an absolute belter. Here's your complete guide to catching what might be the most competitive 70.3 worlds we've ever seen.
The Main Event
- Go time: 7:00am NZDT Sunday (5:00am AEDT for our sleep-deprived Aussie mates)
- Pre-race show: 6:30am NZDT
- Estimated finish: 10:36am NZDT (slightly quicker than Saturday, apparently the blokes are keen for brunch)
Why This One's Special
- Hayden Wild's casually dropped his 65-minute run split target (that's not a typo)
- Local hero Kyle Smith's shooting for a Taupo hat-trick
- Rico Bogen's back to defend his crown
- Olympic medallists everywhere you look (Wild, Bergere - it's getting crowded)
- Our Aussie contingent led by Josh Amberger (plus new dad Mitch Kibby - sleep is for the weak)
- The Pro Series showdown between Marquart and Barnaby (winner takes $200K home)
Where to Catch the Action
Rest of the World
- DAZN globally
- Outside TV (North America)
- L'Équipe Live (France)
- iQIYI (China)
Insider Tips
- Watch for the swim exit - with this field, seconds matter
- Keep your calculator handy for the Pro Series math (8:43 gap to leader is the magic number)
- The sacred waters of Lake Taupo might just favor the locals
Key Storylines
- Can Wild back up his ambitious run split claim?
- Will Smith defend home turf against a world-class field?
- How many coffees deep is new dad Kibby going to be?
- Does Bogen have another surprise victory in store?
Post-race coverage kicks off around 11:00am NZDT, just in time to witness what promises to be one of the most interesting podium ceremonies of the year.
If anyone gives you grief about watching triathlon at dawn two days in a row, just remind them this is what happens when you get the Olympics and 70.3 Worlds in the same year. That, and you're technically doing research for your own racing (wink).
Now, who's taking bets on whether Wild's 65-minute run prediction causes more stress for his competitors or the timing crew?
