Ironman set to stay the course
City in running to snare titles for three more years
CHEERING crowds on Cairns Esplanade greeted Australian Josh Amberger as he crosssed the finish line to claim victory in his first Cairns Ironman. Organisers were so thrilled with the success of yesterday’s event that they are hoping to lock in the Cairns race’s status as the Asia Pacific Championships for a further three years.
IRONMAN officials are hoping to lock in a deal to keep the Asia Pacific Championships in Cairns for at least another three years, saying the city is the “perfect fit” for the event.
This year’s race was the second time it has doubled as regional titles after wresting it away from Melbourne as part of a three-year deal in 2016.
Ironman Asia Pacific Head of Partnerships Jeff Gillies said shifting it to the Far North had been a “resounding success” and something they wanted to continue.
“(After 2018) we’ll celebrate the success of the three years and look to working with stakeholders to keep it for another three years,” he said.
“Cairns is great because of the mix of flight access, great support and hotel capacity. It has easy access for Asia Pacific countries so it’s an ideal fit.”
Having the titles makes it a bigger drawcard for the professional athletes and also international competitors with the sport continuing to grow quickly in China.
Mr Gillies said signing another three-year deal would need the support of various stakeholders including the State Government and Cairns Regional Council.
Cairns mayor Bob Manning said they would back retaining it.
“Why wouldn’t you?” he said. “It’s become a signature event for Cairns.
“Council would certainly be keen to talk with other stakeholders.
“The benefits to Cairns are obvious.”
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said it would be up to Tourism Queensland whether the contract was extended, but he would support it.
“To increase it would be a very wise decision,” he said.
Men’s winner Josh Amberger threw his support behind the course, calling it “one of the best, if not the best” he has raced on.
Mr Gillies also further hinted at plans for a larger mountain biking event in the region after initially flagging it in the lead up to yesterday’s event.
Ironman has just purchased the multi-day Cape to Cape and Port to Port rides in Western Australia and New South Wales and suggested something similar could be in the works in the Far North.
“We’re in love with Cairns,” he said.
“There is a flourishing mountain biking industry here ... so it’s a no brainer that we would be talking to stakeholders to develop events.”
JOSH Amberger still cannot believe how smoothly his Ironman Cairns debut went.
Brisbane’s Amberger emerged victorious yesterday afternoon from the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run in a stunning time of eight hours, two minutes and 17 seconds to claim victory on debut in the Far North.
When asked what went well for him, the answer was simple: everything went right.
“I led out of the swim and the bike and crossed the line first,” Amberger said. “It was the perfect race. “There was not a bad patch throughout the race.
“I have put a lot of work into this race so it is very satisfying.
“I cannot believe how well it went, I felt good the whole way.”
In just his third Ironman start, and second one he has actually finished, the Queenslander was overjoyed to be among names such as Tim Van Berkel and other athletes who have claimed the race.
“The Asia-Pacific title is a big deal and some amazing athletes have won it before in the past,” Amberger said.
“I cannot believe I am on the winners’ board now, it is just phenomenal.
“Everyone always talks about Cairns and now I can see why people always come back, it is fantastic the course.”
The 28-year-old is unsure if he will take up the spot to the Ironman World Championship in Kona later this year.
“Kona was not the goal, the guys that are competing there are on another level,” Amberger said. “Hopefully after this result I can go on and prove I am of that stock as well.
“It is early days for me in Ironmans but to put a race together like this is fantastic.”
Amberger’s partner is Gold Coaster Ashleigh Gentle, who is an Australian triathlete who was selected as part of the team for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The 2016 champion, Van Berkel, came in fourth place, just over seven minutes behind the winner while David Dellow, who finished second to Van Berkel last year, rounded out the top five.