IM Melbourne: Pro Press Conference Sound Bites
The sport's stars gathered in Melbourne to talk about the inaugural year of the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championships.
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Cameron Brown (on the marathon course layout)
“None of us have done a point-to-point race in an Ironman. We’ll all have targets on our backs.”
Luke Bell (on the caliber of the venue and the event in relation to other major sporting events)
“This is one of the most livable cities in the world. The finish line is going to be absolutely buzzing on Sunday night! It’s a city that loves big events and the field has definitely lived up to the reputation. With the Grand Prix here last weekend, the Australian Open and the ASP Surf Pro at Bells Beach coming up, on a scale of events it’s on an International level.”
Craig Alexander (on the demands of his heavy media schedule)
I’ll have to watch my weight with all these breakfasts and lunches!
Mirinda Carfrae (on how it feels to race at home)
“My last race in Australia was Geelong in 2008 which I won – so I hope that’s a good omen!”
(on what to expect from the inaugural course)
“There’s talk of it being a really fast course. But we don’t know!”
PHOTOS: Pre-race from Ironman Melbourne
Eneko Llanos (on his extensive experience racing in Australia)
“The first Ironman I finished was in Busselton in 2005 [Ironman Western Australia]. Also I raced short-course ITU and World Cup triathlons and I competed in the Sydney Olympics.”
Rebekah Keat (on training with new coach Siri Lindley)
“I feel amazing. The fittest I’ve ever felt in 15 years. It’s a bit scary!”
Luke McKenzie (on being less the subject of media hype as some of his competitors)
“It feels good to fly under the radar. There’s no other field outside of Hawaii assembled like this.”
Rachel Joyce (on what would happen if a Brit won in Australia)
“I think Jenson Button did that last weekend [at the Australian Grand Prix], but I didn’t want to mention that!”