Illness forces Doe out of Bonita Ironman New Zealand

Illness has forced title hopeful Kieran Doe out of Saturday’s 25th anniversary Bonita Ironman New Zealand in Taupo.

Doe (Auckland), who was third last year, has been unable to shake a mystery stomach and bowel complaint that has dogged him for several months.
The 27-year-old, who had a breakthrough race-record victory at Ironman Canada in 2007, said he needs to take a break in order to find an answer to the problem.
Doe said he had been able to train at only 80 per cent with each long training session dogged with frequent bouts of stomach upsets.
“It’s really disappointing. This is the big race of the year for me in front of my sponsors, my family and supporters,” Doe said.
“Initially this problem started last year and would happen in some intensive races. Now it happens during my hard and long training sessions also.
“It is a hard decision to withdraw but the only one I could really make. I need to get it solved so I can carry on with my profession. It is very frustrating. We’ve tried lots of things with medical people but we cannot get to the bottom of.”
Doe was the second seed for the race behind seven-time winner Cameron Brown who will now be challenged by top rating internationals Stephen Bayliss (GBR) and Jan Raphael (GER) and kiwis Richard Ussher and World 70.3 Champion Terenzo Bozzone.
Doe said he will attend the race and help out his sponsors as well as support Bozzone, who has been his regular training partner at home and in the USA.
The race starts at 6.45am on Saturday with the winner expected around 3.15pm and the leading women by 4.15pm.