Champs return for Ironman NZ

Cameron Brown and Gina Crawford will both seek to defend their titles at Ironman New Zealand at Taupo in March.

Brown is back to chase his ninth crown, a feat that has not been achieved by any triathlete in the same Ironman race.

Crawford, nee Ferguson, is back to full fitness and firing on all cylinders after a testing season to focus on Ironman New Zealand, which is her main target for the year.

Brown, 37, is keen to put last year's problems behind him. A niggling calf injury wrecked his United States campaign and it flared again earlier this summer, while an adverse reaction to a bee sting sapped his Ironman World Championship campaign.

Brown was convinced his best years weren't yet all behind him.

"Last year I set a new race record in Taupo and I had my best marathon run in the event," Brown said.

"All the data from my power monitor indicates that I am producing more power on the bike.

"I may be 37 but I am continuing to improve as an athlete and get faster. That's exciting and a boost in my confidence.

"I am looking to get a good positive start to the season in Taupo. It's a really important race for me to kick-start my year and to perform well in front of my family, friends and sponsors."

Crawford of Christchurch also faced trials and tribulations last year after her breakthrough victory at Ironman New Zealand.

Instead of rolling on to bigger and better things, Crawford was stopped in her tracks after discovery that she has a genetic heart abnormality and her return was thwarted by a troublesome ankle injury.

A fully fit Crawford claimed victory at Ironman Western Australia last month and beat former Ironman Australia champion Rebekah Keat at Wanaka recently.

"I am training really well again and I'm loving it. It's the best I have felt and my training indicates I am doing better than ever."

She and husband Brett have moved into the city which has cut two hours of travel time out of her busy day. And she has started to run freely with the removal of an orthotic that she has used in her running shoes since the start of her Ironman career.

"I had an issue with my foot right at the start of doing endurance training. But I've figured out that it was not because of the foot itself, but rather because I was new to the rigours of long hours of training.

"It took an adjustment after I took them out because the muscles in my feet have been dormant but it feels so much better.

"I understand my heart condition and it's not dangerous and I am much better off being a fit and healthy athlete."

- NZPA