Ironman 70.3 Melbourne Set for Showdown This Sunday
Ellie Salthouse and Jake Birtwhistle, will compete in Ironman 70.3 Melbourne, racing through swim, bike, and run courses along the city's iconic bayside.
This Sunday, Melbourne's St Kilda becomes the battleground as athletes will plunge into the cool waters of Port Phillip Bay for a 1.9 km swim, a segment known for its clarity and calm conditions - compared to a few years ago, though occasional currents can test even the strongest swimmers.
The 90 km bike course features two laps along the iconic Beach Road, renowned for its flat terrain and scenic coastal views. However, unpredictable coastal winds can turn this segment into a tactical challenge, demanding both power and aerodynamics from competitors.
The final 21.1 km run weaves along the St Kilda and Elwood waterfronts, offering athletes a mix of flat stretches and gentle inclines, all against the backdrop of Melbourne's vibrant bayside community. The race culminates at Catani Gardens, where the energy of spectators fuels the final push to the finish line.
Women's Race: A Clash of Champions
The women's pro field is exceptionally strong this year, featuring a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, all eager to claim a victory in Melbourne.
Ellie Salthouse returns to reclaim her 2022 title after not competing in 2023. Known for her aggressive racing style and consistent performances, Salthouse is a formidable competitor. In her 2022 win, she swam in 24:38, biked a 2:13:07, and ran in 1:21:28.
"I cherish my victory from 2022," Salthouse remarked. "Missing out last year has only intensified my desire to perform at my best. I've been training hard, focusing on improving my transitions and maintaining a strong pace throughout."
Natalie Van Coevorden, who finished second last year, is determined to challenge Salthouse for the top spot. Transitioning successfully from short-course to middle-distance racing, she has demonstrated her versatility with recent podium finishes, including third at the Garmin Noosa Triathlon.
"Last year's race was a significant milestone," Van Coevorden said. "I've been working on building my endurance without sacrificing speed. The competition is tough, but I'm ready to give it everything."
Radka Kahlefeldt brings a wealth of experience and a string of consistent performances. With a second-place finish at Ironman Australia and third at Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast, she is poised to make a strong showing.
"I love racing in Australia," Kahlefeldt shared. "The support here is incredible, and the course suits my strengths. I'm particularly focusing on maintaining a steady pace on the bike to set up a strong run."
Penny Slater, fresh from a remarkable seventh-place finish at the Ironman World Championship in Nice—the highest among Australian women—is another athlete to watch. Her performance in Nice showcased her ability to handle tough courses and deep fields.
"Competing in Nice was a game-changer," Slater noted. "It boosted my confidence and highlighted areas to improve. I've been honing my cycling skills to capitalize on Melbourne's flat course."
Teresa Adam of New Zealand returns to middle-distance racing after over a year away. A former champion at Ironman New Zealand, Western Australia, and Cairns, Adam's comeback adds intrigue to the race.
"Taking time off allowed me to refocus," Adam said. "I'm excited to be back and test myself against such a talented field. My strategy is to stay strong in the swim and bike, then push hard on the run."
Other notable competitors include:
- Chloe Lane (Australia): Known for her strong swim, she aims to build an early lead.
- Anna Bergsten (Sweden): Brings international experience and a balanced skill set across all three disciplines.
- Kate Gillespie-Jones (Australia): An AFLW player turned triathlete, her athletic background adds a unique dimension to the field.
The full list of professional women competing:
- Ellie Salthouse – Australia
- Natalie Van Coevorden – Australia
- Radka Kahlefeldt – Australia
- Penny Slater – Australia
- Chloe Lane – Australia
- Anna Bergsten – Sweden
- Teresa Adam – New Zealand
- Demi Birch – Australia
- Stephanie Demestichas – Australia
- Kate Gillespie-Jones – Australia
- Meredith Hill – Australia
- Angharad Llewellyn – New Zealand
- Sky Wallace – Australia
- Courtney Wevers – Australia
- Chloe Hartnett – Australia
Anticipated Rivalries and Strategies
The competition between Salthouse and Van Coevorden is particularly anticipated. Both athletes excel in the swim and run, setting the stage for a potential head-to-head battle during the final leg.
"Ellie is a fantastic athlete," Van Coevorden acknowledged. "Racing against her pushes me to elevate my performance."
Kahlefeldt's experience could give her an edge in race management, especially if conditions become challenging. Slater's recent world championship experience may also play a crucial role.
"Managing energy across the race is key," Kahlefeldt said. "It's not just about speed but smart racing."
Men's Race: A Battle of Strength and Strategy
The men's professional field is equally compelling, featuring a mix of veterans and newcomers ready to make their mark.
Nick Thompson, who finished second in 2023 with a time of 3:27:28, is laser-focused on claiming the top spot. His strengths lie in his cycling and running prowess.
"Finishing second last year was a significant motivator," Thompson shared. "I've worked extensively on my swim to ensure I stay with the lead pack. Every second counts."
Jake Birtwhistle, new to middle-distance racing, brings a wealth of experience from the ITU circuit and the Olympics. His speed and tactical acumen make him a wildcard.
"Transitioning to the 70.3 distance has been exciting," Birtwhistle said. "I'm adapting my training to handle the longer distances while maintaining my speed."
Kurt McDonald, a rising star, is known for his strong bike splits. He aims to capitalize on the flat course to gain an advantage.
"I'm targeting a fast bike leg," McDonald stated. "If I can build a lead there, it'll set me up well for the run."
Matt Burton, the Ironman Cairns champion, brings endurance and experience. His ability to maintain a steady, strong pace could be decisive.
"The key for me is consistency," Burton remarked. "I've been focusing on my run to ensure I can finish strong after a solid bike."
Jamie Riddle from South Africa adds international competition to the mix. A strong swimmer, he may lead out of the water.
"I'm confident in my swim," Riddle said. "My goal is to create a gap early and hold onto it."
Other notable male professionals include:
- Caleb Noble (Australia): A consistent performer looking to break into the top ranks.
- Tim Van Berkel (Australia): An experienced athlete with multiple Ironman podiums.
- Matt Kerr (New Zealand): Known for his endurance and strategic racing.
The full list of professional men competing:
- Nick Thompson – Australia
- Jake Birtwhistle – Australia
- Kurt McDonald – Australia
- Matt Burton – Australia
- Jamie Riddle – South Africa
- Mitch Kibby – Australia
- Caleb Noble – Australia
- Tim Van Berkel – Australia
- Benjamin Hill – Australia
- Matt Kerr – New Zealand
- Calvin Amos – Australia
- Michael Boult – Australia
- Nick Bensley – Australia
- Joe Begbie – Australia
- Samuel Doggett – Australia
- Matthew De Vroet – Netherlands
- Nicholas Free – Australia
- Levi Hauwert – Australia
- Jarrod Osborne – Australia
- Jye Spriggs – Australia
- Matthew Tonge – Australia
- Kyle Tremayne – Australia
- Brodie Talbot – Australia
- Martin Ulloa – Chile
- Edward Vining – Australia
- Fraser Walsh – Australia
- Joel Woodridge – Australia
Key Matchups and Expectations
The anticipated duel between Thompson and Birtwhistle is generating buzz. Thompson's experience at this distance contrasts with Birtwhistle's raw speed and tactical racing from short-course events.
"Jake's entry into 70.3 racing adds excitement," Thompson commented. "It'll be interesting to see how his speed translates over the longer distance."
Veterans like Tim Van Berkel bring a strategic edge, often excelling in managing race dynamics and pacing.
"Experience teaches you when to push and when to conserve," Van Berkel said. "I'm looking forward to leveraging that on race day."
International Competitors
Athletes like Jamie Riddle and Martin Ulloa introduce international competition, potentially disrupting the local favourites' plans.
"Racing abroad is always thrilling," Ulloa shared. "I'm eager to test myself against Australia's best."
Race Details
- Date: Sunday, 10 November
- Location: St Kilda, Melbourne
- Course:
- Swim: 1.9 km in Port Phillip Bay
- Bike: 90 km along Beach Road
- Run: 21.1 km along St Kilda and Elwood waterfronts
- Finish Line: Catani Gardens
