Illness forces Jacobs out of Hawaiian triathlon
FORMER Hawaiian Ironman triathlon champion Pete Jacobs has pulled out of next month’s edition due to illness.
The 2012 winner said on his website that an illness last week prompted the decision to withdraw from the October 10 race.
Jacobs is one of only six Australians to win the famous race, which is the Ironman-distance world championships.
“I needed my preparation to go smoothly, with no interruptions, to have a chance at getting to Kona in good enough shape to have a solid race. So, sadly I will not be racing in Hawaii this year,” he said.
“Kona is close to my heart, and I love racing there. There is no greater feeling in all of triathlon than being on that start line in the best shape of your life, except for crossing the line first. And neither of those things were a chance of happening without the most perfect preparation ever.”
Jacobs said he would now focus on rebuilding his health ahead of next season.
Gold Coast’s Luke McKenzie – runner-up two years ago – will be one of Australia’s leading contenders in the men’s race with Tim Van Berkel, who was seventh last year.