Ironman Cairns coming of age

THE event that almost stops Cairns dominates this weekend as the city becomes a hive of activity centred around Ironman.

Competitors have flown in from throughout the world and Australia to take part in the event voted the best in the world by participants.

For days and weeks past our roads and streets have been a sea of Lycra as competitors train by pounding the pavement, take to the bitumen on their expensive lightweight cycles and don their Speedos in swimming pools.

Our hotels have been bursting at the seams, bikes and other shops have been busy tweaking equipment and selling specialist gear and restaurants and cafes have been serving myriad meals, coffees and boost drinks.

The event grows in popularity and stature and people come before and stay after to enjoy what the tropics offer.

The cooler weather has been a boon too and will help competitors achieve better times without the added factors of heat and humidity.

The bike leg along the picturesque Captain Cook Highway between Palm Cove and Port Douglas return will showcase the region to the world.

Ironman Cairns is coming of age and brings thousands of extra people to boost our coffers and shows how important sports tourism is to the city and economy.

Last year’s event was the athlete’s favourite, beating Sweden, France, New Zealand and Western Australia.

“Superbly organised and run, and the location is spectacular. It’s probably the best multisport/mass participation event I’ve ever been to,” said one competitor.

Let’s do it again.