BY The inviting waters of Bang Tao Beach will become a triathlete’s battleground on which the 22 male and 12 female pro competitors race for a share of the US$15,000 prize money.
Named for its total distance covered in miles, the Ironman 70.3 triathlon involves a 1.9km open water swim 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.
If you’re attending the race, or in Phuket, look out for competitors like Australia’s Tim Van Berkel, who placed third here last year and is racing after a well-fought 15th position finish at the 2017 Ironman World Championship in October. Also catch Braden Currie, winner of Ironman New Zealand 2017 and making his Thai debut this weekend.
In the women’s field, New Zealander Amelia Watkinson returns to defend her title after a stand-out win at the 2017 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, but she will have to fend off Phuket-based Dimity-Lee Duke of Australia, who is hoping to go one better this time after last year’s second-place finish.
Immogen Simmonds of Switzerland was here last year as an age-grouper last year won her category, and beat many Pros in the process. Now competing in the Pro ranks, Simmonds comes into the event in hot form following a second place at Ironman 70.3 Xiamen in China last week.
Aside from the professional circuit, there will be triathletes from 68 countries competing. With 30 qualifying slots available for the 2018 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii and thirty age-group qualifying slots for the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in South Africa, this is going to be one hotly contested event at the front.
Past participants know that the electric atmosphere is something that you’ll never forget once you experience it, but if you’re not there in person, you can still follow the race weekend online at www.ironman.com/thailand70.3.
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