Kiwis among top contenders for this weekends event

Super mum, Gina Crawford is set to take on Cairns Airport Ironman this weekend.  Having had a good build up with some fantastic results earlier in the year, Crawford is dubbed as the favourite in the women’s field.

Now basing herself in Wanaka, her training has encountered some cooler days with negative temperatures a part of her regular training. 

“It has been mentally tough training in Wanaka.  I have had some pretty cold runs in minus 5 degrees and only up to 6 degrees for my seven hours bike training.  I arrived in Cairns last weekend to acclimatize.”

Crawford is often referred to as the Super Mum managing a fantastic competitive triathlon career whilst juggling her role as mum to her son Benji.  Since becoming a mum, Crawford explains how she has become a better trainer.

“I used to be an overtrainer, perhaps doing too much.  I always used to come to races feeling overdone.  These days I train around 20 hours per week and as a result come to races feeling a lot fresher.  I can now mentally push myself harder during a race.”

“Since having my son, he is my main priority,” shares Crawford.

Crawford will be joined on the start line by fellow Kiwi Anna Ross.

The men’s race, dubbed the race between the vets and up and comers, includes our very own Cameron Brown!

After a forgettable six months of racing, Brown is looking forward to this weekends event.

“The Ironman Cairns course is on a stunning coastline and great destination to come to. I am excited to be back here again,” Brown said.

“It is a long drag into town, about 25km so you need to be mentally strong and stay strong to get back onto the podium,” explains Brown.

Five time Ironman winner, Luke McKenzie will be one of the top younger contenders for Brown this weekend.

Other New Zealand athletes on the start line include Simon Cochrane and Matt Randall.
Alongside the Cairns Ironman event, the 70.3 race sees Australian Pete Jacobs back to defend his title from 2012.  World Ironman Champion Jacobs, loves this course and is looking forward to a great day out.

In the women’s field Sam Warriner, another Kiwi super mum, is among the key athletes in the womens field.

Race starts at 8.45am (NZT) on Sunday (70.3) & 9.25am (Ironman).

Go Kiwis!