Ironman vet still in it to win

FIGHTING FIT: Cameron Brown is looking for his 11th win today. PHOTO/FILE

SINCE Ironman New Zealand moved to Taupo in 1999, one man has featured on the podium every single year.

Auckland's Cameron Brown, 42, will try and record his 11th victory and 17th straight podium finish today during the gruelling Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand race.

He said he was lucky not to miss one of the races over the years with injury and that he was in good nick for today's race, which was set to start at 6.45am.

"I have been pretty lucky, a few years ago I was very, very sick during race week and I was lucky to finish and win the race, but fingers crossed I will feel good tomorrow as well and try and go for another win," he said.

"I could not imagine not doing the race, it is part of my build-up in the New Zealand summer and I would be bored if I didn't train through it. I love doing it and I'm looking forward to it again tomorrow."

He said it would be special to win another New Zealand title, having last won the race in 2011.

"To win one was cool and to win 10 was amazing, and to win one at 42 would be pretty awesome."

Last year, Brown became the oldest male to win an Ironman event when he triumphed at Ironman Cairns in Australia.

During a fan question-and-answer session yesterday, Brown told the crowd he still got nervous before the Taupo event.

"The distances in themselves, a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42km run, they can scare you."

However, he said while you had to keep on top of your nerves, it was a good sign to still get them as an athlete.

"I think once that goes you are in trouble, that is part of the sport, but you have to be able to control those nerves before the race or else it is wasted energy."

Taupo has become a second home for the Aucklander, who has discovered all the best places to eat in town over the years.

"I come down on Wednesday and try and relax ... for the last two nights I have been eating at Portofino, a nice Italian place, and I'll be having my mum's pasta tonight. I always have her salmon pasta the night before."

Brown said he was not considering retiring anytime soon.

"I'll keep going as long as I can, I'm still loving it. When that passion goes, it is time to get out but there is no stopping at this stage."

MetService was predicting some wet weather today in Taupo, but Brown said they had seen similar weather before, and it should not make too much of a difference.