McCormack Commits To Race Challenge Cairns
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Reigning Ironman world champion Chris McCormack has announced he will be competing at the iron-distance Challenge Cairns in Cairns Great Barrier Reef, Australia on June 5, 2011. Although the race features the traditional 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run of an Ironman, it will not count towards McCormack’s qualification to the 2011 Ironman World Championship because it is not an Ironman-branded event.
It will be the only Ironman-distance event that the 37-year-old races in his home country of Australia in 2011.
McCormack had said soon after winning Hawaii last year that he wanted to spend more time in Australia.
He and wife Emma Jane are expecting their third child next month.
“The opportunity to race on Australian shores again is super exciting,” McCormack said.
“My career has taken me all over the globe, but nothing is the same as the ability to race in front of family and friends in a race at home.”
Cairns is attracting a strong professional field, with Pete Jacobs another confirmed starter.