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Australia’s best triathletes converge on Geelong for Ironman 70.3
Friday, 5 February 2010
9:39 AM
Media Releases
The best triathletes from Australia and around the world will be coming to Geelong this Sunday 7 February to compete in the Australian leg of the International Ironman 70.3 series.
Ironman 70.3 triathlon comprises a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run - covering a total of 112.9km or 70.3 miles.
This year’s event is looking to be full of action with a record field of 1,150 individuals entered to compete and a further 300 entered in the teams section of the event which is now sold out.
Competitors include reigning two-time Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander, as well as defending women’s champion, Sam Warriner (NZ).
Geelong is the only Australian host city for an Ironman 70.3 series and provides a great opportunity for Australian athletes to qualify for the world championships without having to travel overseas.
This year the Geelong competition will have just 50 qualifying slots on offer to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship held in, Florida, USA, later this year.
The day will also mark the one year anniversary of the tragic Black Saturday fires in Victoria during which 173 people lost their lives and over 7,500 people were left without homes or accommodation.
To show their support for the families who lost loved ones, competitors will be wearing yellow ribbons throughout the day.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor John Mitchell welcomed the event back to our city and praised organisers for acknowledging the Black Saturday anniversary.
“It is a delight to be the only Australian city to be part of the international Ironman 70.3 series, our stunning Waterfront provides the perfect location to host world class events such as this.”
“This is a great day for family and friends to get out and support local as well as international competitors,” Cr Mitchell said.
“I am proud that an event of this calibre being held in our city is paying tribute to the tragic events of Black Saturday and remembering those who lost their lives.”
The race starts at Eastern Beach at 7am on Sunday morning, with winners expected to finish shortly before 11am. There is a free Ironman 70.3 Expo showcasing the latest triathlon-related products and services, from 9am to 5pm Saturday and 7am to 3pm Sunday.
Visit www.ironmanoz703.com for further details, including a detailed race weekend schedule.
The Ironman 70.3 Geelong series 2010 is proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong.
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