Ironman Cairns 2013 Press Conference Highlights

Eight world class athletes sat on the athlete panel to preview their form and expectations leading into the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns | IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns earlier today.

Chris McCormack (AUST) – Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns

On his recent illness

“I had some issues with my kidneys but I have been told that I am fine now. The doctors have given me the green light so I am set to race.”

On training and the IRONMAN Cairns course

“Training and preparation have been good. I promised last year that I would come back here ready to rock and roll and training wise I have done that so we will find out on race day whether that is the case.”

“This is the best IRONMAN course in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a fair course, honest, beautiful and a real treat. You don’t get to race in places like this anywhere in the world. It really suits my strengths.”

Cameron Brown (NZL) – Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns

Preparation leading into the weekend

“Hopefully things are on the up. It’s a fantastic race and a great destination. I am looking forward to getting out there and mixing it up with the other boys out there. I am excited to be back here again.”

“I would like to win over here. It’s always tough amongst the Aussie athletes racing on home soil and in good form but I will try and have a great race and get out there and do what it takes.”

Luke McKenzie (AUST) – Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns

On racing in last weekend’s Coral Coast Triathlon 5150

“Last weekend was a great little hit out for this weekend, I felt like things went well.”

On his train hard, race hard, play hard motto.

“I have always tried to race like that. It’s exciting to have guys like Clayton (Fettell) in the field. I respect the way he races and I would really like to race like he does. Training has been going really well, I have been based over in San Diego so I am really looking forward to getting out there.”

Gina Crawford (NZL) – Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns

How she is feeling leading into the weekend

“It’s been mentally tough, training in the cold in New Zealand. I have prepared my mind for the heat and I am feeling ready for Sunday. I have had some really good training. I really enjoy this type of weather and am looking forward to it.”

“IRONMAN is a mental race and I feel ready.”

Liz Blatchford (GBR) “Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns debut

From the shift from being a short course specialist into IRONMAN racing

“The nerves are right up there. Unchartered waters, it’s scary and I don’t know whether I will make the distance but having said that I need to have confidence as I have years and years of triathlon experience behind me. I need to get out there and see what I can do.”

Pete Jacobs (AUST) “IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns

On his training and race preparation

“I was feeling really good a few weeks ago and did a solid time trail and last week I raced the IRONMAN 70.3 Honu and it was great to be back on the course where I won my world title. It was a really special week over there. It was quite a hectic week with late nights so I haven’t been feeling myself the last few days.”

“I have done 25 IRONMAN races to date so IRONMAN 70.3 races are relatively easy physically and mentally now. I know I will get through it on Sunday however I just don’t know whether it will be fast or slow.”

How has the 2012 IRONMAN World Championship win changed his life?

“My views are required a little more often and I have learnt a lot over my 25 IRONMAN races. I really enjoy the platform that I have got to pass on that knowledge that I have learnt. I am back here in Cairns again to try and defend my title.”

Brad Kahlefeldt (AUST) “IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns

On making the switch to IRONMAN 70.3 racing

“I got through London and decided afterwards to do something completely different and try the non-drafting work and sink my teeth into that. I have enjoyed the training, it’s similar to what I have done for ITU I have just added bike miles. I enjoy racing well and the last couple of races have come with pretty good results. I am excited to be here on the start line in Cairns.”

On the IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns course

“The bike is spectacular. Testing. With this heat and the wind on the run it is going to be challenging.   When you hit the coast it’s pretty exciting. I am looking forward to it.”

Sarah Crowley (AUST) “IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns – defending champion

How does it feel to be back here as the 2012 champion

“This is one of the races I look forward to each year.   It’s a good opportunity to come up and enjoy Tropical Queensland. This year has been a bit troubled with a leg injury so Sunday is going to be a hit out and see how I go.”

“I am really excited to be back here in the far North Queensland racing.”

The Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns | IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns races are on Sunday 9 June, 2013. Race starts from 07.25am.