Ironman field wide open

A line up of professional athletes have said tomorrow’s SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton is an open race for anyone to win.

Triathlon WA hosted a press conference for six of the biggest names taking on tomorrow’s course.

Thirty five professional athletes will be competing for the $15,000 prize purse and more than 3200 athletes will take part overall.

Defending men’s champion James Hodge said he was pleased to be back in Busselton.

“Other events are now where as good as this one,” he said.

“This event includes everyone. It’s a great venue and great people.”

Triathlete Tim Reed, who has won the Ironman 70.3 in Canberra and Yeppoon, said it would be an interesting race tomorrow.

“Traditionally this race has been one on the run. Then Triathlon Australian changed the drafting rules to 12m,” Reed said.

“It can be won on the bike or it could be won on the run.

“I’ll be watching James (Hodge) and have people on the course giving me splits.”

West Australian triathlete Kate Bevilaqua said she would be taking on the course five days after completing and Ironman race in Taiwan.

She said it was the first time she had competed after such a short break.

“We did a lot of research and spoke to a lot of people and introduced a recovery plan straight away. We think it has worked and are very excited about tomorrow,” Bevilaqua said.

The race starts at 7am tomorrow at the Busselton foreshore.