Ironman’s elite roll in

Hot field stands in the way of Appleton 3-peat

DUAL reigning champion Sam Appleton says a hot field for Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Geelong won’t hold him back from attempting a three peat.

Five-time ITU World Triathlon Champion, Olympic silver medallist and former Ironman 70.3 World Champion Javier Gomez is making his Geelong debut, alongside Aussies Josh Amberger and Tim van Berkel in next weekend’s event at Eastern Beach.

But Appleton, winner of the past two editions, welcomed the extra competition.

“There is talk that Javier (is) racing, so excuse me while I go out and do another run session right now,” he quipped.

“In all seriousness though, Javi is a great athlete and I never personally have a problem with racing some of the bigger names in the sport. It excites me to challenge myself against the best and it draws the best out of me.”

Geelong has become the perfect kick-off for Apple- ton’s season of competition over the past two years.

Last year, the Geelong victory was the first of three 70.3 wins, while Appleton also finished sixth in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in South Africa — an event he’s eyeing to podium at later this year.

“I really like the race in Geelong,” he said.

“It’s the first Australian race of the year and always attracts a good field with everyone itching to get out there and start the season on a positive note.

“I have been lucky enough to win the last two years and I am hoping I can go for the trifecta.

“Geelong is just a great place to hold a triathlon. It’s a great city and the course is quite scenic, particularly the run.

“Both the bike and run are challenging with some undulations on the bike course and some steep pinches on the run.

“While I spend a lot of time in the USA, I also like to maintain my Australian presence by racing in Oz as much as I can and Ironman 70.3 Geelong always garners a fair bit of attention in Australia and overseas.”

Appleton added he was “reasonably well” prepared for Geelong, having just completed his training camp.

“I started back after the new year and have been slowly building up my fitness,” he said.

“I have just come off a training camp with my coach in Phoenix, Arizona, and that camp is always a good opportunity to build some fitness leading into Geelong.”