There's a real international feel to the first Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman 70.3 Taupo next month.
American star Meredith Kessler, already a four-time winner of Ironman New Zealand in Taupo, is returning to the town fresh from her repeat victory at Ironman Arizona. The San Franciscan will be hoping to make it a Taupo double at the Ironman 70.3 Taupo on December 12.
She will head a strong field of females including Ironman 70.3 Taiwan winner Gina Crawford, fellow Kiwi Michelle Bremer, the Ironman Australia champion; in-form Australian Sarah Crowley, British athlete Laura Siddell, who has a host of top five finishes in the last two years, and American-based Kiwi Anna Cleaver.
With so many established veterans in the field it will be up to Amelia Rose Watkinson to fly the flag for the up and comers. The Kiwi was third in Ironman 70.3 Auckland at the start of the year and fifth in Malaysia.
The rest of the file is chock full of experienced athletes with New Zealanders Melanie Burke, Anna Russell and Anna Lawrence while former Ironman New Zealand winner Sam Warriner is also a starter.