 Australian Annabel Luxford, the world championship silver medallist, winning the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Auckland(Photo: Darryl Carey; click to enlarge) |
Inaugural winners Christian Kemp and Annabel Luxford will defend their titles in next month's Ironman 70.3 Auckland, which doubles as the official Asia Pacific Championship.
The Australian triathletes, who have enjoyed mixed fortunes in 2013, are the first key signings to confirm their starts in the race on Sunday 19 January that has attracted 1200 competitors from 51 countries including over 500 internationals athletes.
This week Ports of Auckland also announced they will become the official event sponsor for the 600 volunteers needed to deliver the race.
The event is one of three global continental championships with professionals bidding for the title and a prize purse of over NZ$90,000 while the age group participants will chase 50 qualifying places in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Canada and also 30 places in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
Kemp, the former accountant, said his victory in January's inaugural race was a turning point in his career. "I gave up life as an accountant in 2010 and it has been tough. But this was validation for me that I can mix it with the best and I can be successful," Kemp said.
He is looking forward to his return to Auckland and is following a similar build-up.
"It will be my first race back so you are always somewhat uncertain. You can train the house down but until you race, you never know. That said Auckland was my first race this year. I am excited.
"I love the course. The bike was fantastic, going over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and with the long first leg which split things up. The best thing on the run is that basically there are people most of the way.
"Only the world championship is bigger so I feel really special to be coming back as the defending champion."
Kemp's winning form in Auckland carried over to victory in his next race in Geelong but a drafting penalty wrecked his hopes at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas.
Luxford, a double Olympian, has enjoyed a stellar first full year at the endurance distance. She followed her Asia Pacific title with runner-up at the European Championship and capped it off with a brilliant runner-up performance at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas.
In six starts, Luxford's fourth at Ironman 70.3 St George was her only result off the podium, and she will definitely provide the marker this year.
Kemp said the inaugural race went perfectly, which is in part due to the work from 600 volunteers which will be supported by Ports of Auckland.
The company is committed to supporting events that help to bring new money and visitors to the city and especially to the waterfront.
"We enjoyed our association with this international event in its first year and accordingly have decided to get behind it for the next two years," said Ports of Auckland CEO, Tony Gibson.
"Our support helps Ironman to secure the local volunteers they require to deliver the event which helps to put this waterfront and our city on the international sporting map, as the race is broadcast globally."
Ports of Auckland believes this sponsorship complements the company's support for the Round the Bays fun run and promotes health and wellbeing in the community and their workforce, which has a high proportion of shift workers.
Further key professionals are expected to be named this month.
