Ironman NZ attracts top class field for Taupo

Braden Currie wins last year's Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand. PHOTO/DELLY CARR

The men's race at Saturday's Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand shapes as one of the most competitive in years.

And most of the big contenders fly the Kiwi flag as the locals start to flex their muscles like never before.

It is fitting that the men's field is so deep and the Kiwis so strong, as Ironman New Zealand celebrates 20 years in Taupo, 35 years in total and Ironman celebrates its 40th anniversary at Kona, with Pro and amateur athletes alike keen on securing a start in October this year.

Heading that Kiwi list is defending champion Braden Currie (Wanaka). After finishing second at Challenge Wanaka a week and a half ago, the 30-year-old is feeling great in mind and body as he approaches one of his favourite events.

"Racing last weekend in a half distance was a great chance for me to have a good hit out before Ironman New Zealand in Taupo. It is a very special event for me.

"Taupo turns it on, it's a beautiful place, and I am looking forward to heading up there and having some downtime with my family, as much as I am also looking forward to racing.

"After a solid summer of consistent training, I am feeling really good going into my biggest event of the New Zealand summer. After racing Kona last year and having a few setbacks but also a lot of learning, I am hoping to go back again this year and have the chance to race the race. Last year was brutal, but I don't mind the suffer fest that comes with this event."

Leading the challengers to Currie's crown is a man who has won it 12 times already. Now 45, Cameron Brown is the King of Taupo and has no plans to let father time or anyone else tell him he can't contend again.

"I still have the mindset of wanting to win and achieve my goals just like I did when I first started doing Ironman. My motivation comes from different things now as well, doing well for my family, putting food on the table! Trying to beat the younger guys.

"Training has gone very well, and there have been no hiccups. I enjoyed a solid race at the Port of Tauranga in January with a third place. My normal Ironman buildup is always good when there are no injuries or illnesses, so that's a big help."

Brown is better placed than most to comment on the 20-year anniversary in Taupo, he has won here 12 times and started every one of the previous 19 races.

"The event has grown from 700-800 athletes in the first year and a small crowd of supporters to close to 2000 athletes, fantastic crowd support and a huge volunteer base, so the Taupo community has really got behind the event.

"Those last few kilometres along the Taupo lakefront are amazing on race day and really one of the best finishes in the world."

Terenzo Bozzone (Auckland) will likely be a huge factor on race day. Although the 32-year-old is yet to win Taupo, he has stood on the podium five times since his 2008 debut and is respected worldwide as a competitor.

After enduring an interrupted first half to 2017, Bozzone came good in the latter part of the year, with a sixth-place at Kona suggesting the best is yet to come from the likeable long striding Aucklander.