IM Melbourne: Conférence de Presse et Interviews

“I entered Ironman Melbourne 6 weeks ago, and thought I’d be smashed after Ironman New Zealand. But in the end it was a blessing in disguise that IM NZ turned into a 70.3 due to the weather.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out there with these guys; it’s going to be a race, especially because none of us have done a point to point run in an Ironman before so we’ll all have targets on our backs,” said Cameron Brown.

“I live 2km down the road so I’m literally local!

“I can tell you how many steps from Frankston to St Kilda Sea Baths along the iconic Beach Road stretch with thousands of cyclists riding along the road each day,” said Luke Bell.

“I’d also like to give credit to everyone who has got the race up and running here in Melbourne. It is one of the most livable cities in the world and the finish line is going to be absolutely buzzing on Sunday night.

“It’s a city that loves a big event and the field has definitely lived up to the expectations. On a scale of events, it’s on an International level with the Grand Prix here last week, and ASP Surf Pro at Bells Beach coming up,” continued Bell.

 “I’ll have to watch my weight with all these breakfasts and lunches,” jokes Alexander.

“It’s my first race since Hawaii; and as it’s already been said this week, the event has already marked itself on the global scence. Only Hawaii, Frankfurt and New York City can match this race.

“You can see by the field that’s gathered here from around the world that it’s going to be a competitive race and I think the amateurs are going to have an unbelievable experience as well.

“This is an iconic sporting city and as a triathlete, I’m absolutely rapt to be part of the Melbourne sports scene,”

“ It would mean a great deal to win in Australia in front of my friends and family. I haven’t raced a great deal here; my last being the 70.3 in Geelong in 2008 which I won, so I hope that’s a good omen,” said Mirinda Caffrae.

“I’ve been racing in the US for the last four or five years, so I’m stoked such a grand event has come to Australia. I’m looking forward to testing myself against some of the best in the world to see where my form is at during this part of the year,” said Caffrae.

“My first Ironman in Australia was in Busselton 2005; previous to that I’d been racing short course ITU and World Cup triathlons where I competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

“It’s always a pleasure to be back here racing and enjoy this great country,” said Eneko Llanos.

I’m feeling amazing actually. After being in the sport for 15 years, I’m feeling the fittest I’ve ever felt, so it’s a bit scary.

I grew up in Frankston for 3 years as a kid, and met some guys from Frankston Heights Primary School yesterday; I had no idea who they were, but hopefully there are a few supporters down there for me.

Anything can happen on the day, so I’ll just stick to my plan and hopefully have a good race.

Yes, it’s a good feeling to fly under the radar, but to have the quality of field here in Melbourne, it’s exciting because there is no other field outside of Hawaii assembled like this.

“To have this race in our home country, it really is exciting to be lining up in this size event. I’m looking forward to giving these guys a good run,” said Luke McKenzie.

“Everyone is excited for what’s in store for us because it’s the unknown, being a fresh course for the field,” continued McKenzie.

I’ve spent about 7 days in the UK since Christmas because it’s bitterly cold, so I’ve had two months training in the Canary Islands lately,” said Rachel Joyce.

“I think Jenson Button did that last weekend, so I didn’t want to mention that,” jokes Joyce.