Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney announced

The NSW Government today announced that Penrith will host a new IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

The race, which will take place on Sunday, November 30, 2014, will be another signature IRONMAN event for the state, complementing the IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie race held since 2006 and the Toyota IRONMAN Australia triathlon, Port Macquarie, Australia’s most enduring full distance IRONMAN race.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Gabrielle Upton, said “We expect IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney to attract over 1,400 competitors and thousands of accompanying visitors to the area, providing a tremendous economic boost and tourism spotlight on the region.”

IRONMAN Asia-Pacific CEO, Geoff Meyer said, “The IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney has huge potential and is a welcome addition to the IRONMAN calendar.

Western Sydney boasts a strong IRONMAN community and our athletes have been eagerly anticipating the introduction of an event in Sydney, added Meyer.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Series is the fastest growing triathlon series in the world, with more than 70  events held in 24 countries that  serve as qualifiers for the  IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.

Western Sydney, a major region of Sydney, is a fast growing and dynamic area and is well positioned to attract local and interstate participants and we are anticipating a strong professional field of experienced and emerging athletes who will all be striving to perform well at the inaugural event.

Included in the event will be a team category which historically provides a fantastic stepping stone into the sport for locals and corporate partner participants.

The course is nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains and will utilise the iconic Penrith Lakes, located at the International Regatta Centre, for the swim. The bike course will include breathtaking mountain views and the final run leg of the race, which encircles the venue, will provide a great access to spectators of the entire race.

Meyer also announced that IRONMAN will focus on positioning this event into the future as one for the ‘Young Guns’ of the sport. “Our athlete support focus will go towards providing an opportunity for the very best of the emerging crop of athletes,” said Meyer.

We are passionate about nurturing and providing pathways for our up and coming talent in this sport and felt this event the ideal candidate to launch this new concept.”

Professional young gun athletes including Sam Appleton (AUST), James Hodge (AUST), Josh Amberger (AUST) and Andrea Forrest (AUST) will be targeting the new IRONMAN 70.3 race.

These young athletes already boast a strong list of race results with Amberger recently claiming victory in the 2013 IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie and Appleton claiming second place. The new IRONMAN 70.3 event is a great platform to position these athletes as leaders of the sport.

It’s great to have this opportunity as a young athlete moving into IRONMAN 70.3,” said Amberger.

I’m really excited to have an IRONMAN 70.3 event in Western Sydney so close to where I live and train. The IRONMAN 70.3 series is booming in Australia and I think it shows by the talent that we have in this country. It will be great to have another competitive race to add to the calendar,” said Appleton.

Australian professional triathlete Hodge is already a two-time IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon champion and is eager to be involved in the inaugural event in Western Sydney.

I’m extremely excited to be a part of a fresh new IRONMAN 70.3 race in Australia and they couldn’t have chosen a better location to host it. I am looking forward to being one of the first people to race this course, Hodge said.

Forrest, who is based in New South Wales, snared third spot on the podium in the IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie women’s race.

I’m really excited to have an IRONMAN 70.3 event on my doorstep, this event is what Sydney needs. It’s a great location for the race,” said Forrest.

Event organisers, IRONMAN Asia-Pacific are committed to bringing the IRONMAN experience to as many regions as possible and Western Sydney presents an ideal location, fabulous course and a wonderful partnership opportunity for the growth of our sport.

• 35 age group qualifying spots for the 2015 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.
• Professional prize purse of USD $25,000.
• 1,400 age-group and professional IRONMAN competitors will complete a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and a 21.1km run.
• Swim will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
• Bike athletes will experience breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains as they escape the city hustle and bustle on the two-lap cycle course.
• Run re-lives the best of the 2000 Olympic ^®  venue as the two-lap run course encircles the iconic Penrith Lakes.

IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2014.