Fisher vows to turn up pace

THE IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong elite fields have received a major boost with the last-minute inclusion of Rio Olympian Ryan Fisher.

The 26-year-old is determined to push the pace on the famous and fast Eastern Beach course, declaring “I am not just going there to participate”.

The Queenslander is heading to Geelong for an early season hit out, to test the fitness and help mark Ironman’s 40th anniversary, which coincides with the Geelong event tomorrow.

Fisher made the jump across from ITU short course racing last year to join the IRONMAN 70.3 ranks and, after serving his apprenticeship with five podium finishes, is looking to “up the ante” this year.

“It is pretty cool to have 70.3 Geelong on IRONMAN’S 40th anniversary,” he said.

“Especially for the first race of the year and to have it in Australia.

“It is exciting and the sport is just growing more and more and the amount of people from all walks of life are really getting into triathlon and understanding it a bit more.

“Post-Olympics is the perfect time to try something new and I had always wanted to try 70.3 racing, so last year was the chance to try some races and see if I did enjoy it and if I was any good at it.

“I podiumed in every race so in that respect it was a good year but I was conservative in the races that I picked so I could get a feel for it, practise new things in races and sort my nutrition.

“Although I had a good season on paper it wasn’t as satisfying when I looked back on it because I wasn’t going in with a real racing mentality.

“This year I am going to be a bit more aggressive in the races I do and which ones I choose. This is going to be a completely different year.

“It would be hard to find an IRONMAN 70.3 this early in the year that would have a field like this and I have entered Geelong because I want to race against the best guys in the world and qualify for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in September.”

Returning champions and a host of stars will race the Geelong event on Sunday.

Last year’s men’s winner, Sam Appleton, returns to the waterfront to defend his title, with Asia Pacific champion Josh Amberger expected to provide tough competition.

Former Geelong champion Jake Montgomery and Tim Van Berkel will also challenge for line honours.

The event provides more than local spoils, with 30 qualifying slots to the 70.3 World Championship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, later this year on offer.

Former world champion Melissa Hauschildt continues her comeback from surgery and is keen to reverse the fortunes of last season.

Laura Dennis, Sarah Lester and Kirralee Seidel are also names to watch in the women’s.

IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong starts with a 1.9km swim in Corio Bay, before athletes head out on a 90km multi-loop bike ride to Portarlington and back.

A gruelling 21.1km two-lap run course then snakes around the waterfront to the finish line.