Ironman Cairns defending champion Max Nuemann and Kylie Simpson share their wisdom as event returns

Ironman Cairns is primed to take over the town, with athletes and spectators flying in for the event on Sunday including defending champions Max Nuemann and Kylie Simpson, returning to have another crack at the title. HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID

CAIRNS is buzzing with the anticipation of Sunday’s Ironman race as competitors and spectators alike fly north and pack out the Esplanade.

The finish line is waiting and triathletes of all levels are stoked to be back in the Far North for the event.

Professional triathlete and two-time Ironman Cairns winner Max Neumann is back to defend his title and is aiming for a hat-trick.

“I’ve been here for the Ironman for the past two years so to come back and go for my third win is quite special,” he said.

“This is my favourite place to race, I’ve travelled to many places but Cairns is just magical.

“You could travel all over the world but you come to the Far North and you just get that local, country vibe – it’s so relaxed and the environment is so unique.”

With leading athletes like Braden Currie heading to FNQ for the weekend’s race, Mr Neumann said he’s looking forward to competing.

Two-time champion of Ironman Cairns Max Nuemann and reigning women’s champion Kylie Simpson have returned to the region to defend their titles.

“I think the last two years, I haven’t really been pushed on the run on the end but if anyone is going to do that it’s Currie,” he said.

Defending Ironman Cairns women’s champion Kylie Simpson is ready to take on the tropics again, coming off the back of last year’s win.

“Cairns is a beautiful spot and being able to come back here and defend the title this year is pretty special,” she said.

“The community really embraces the event and there’s no point on the course that you feel isolated or alone.

“There’s so much support, not only on race day but leading into the race, everybody is so welcoming.”

Ms Simpson gave her top tips for any fresh competitors joining the race, saying “it’s all about focus”.

“There’s so much that goes through your mind during the race and there are things you learn to think about,” she said.

State MP for Cairns Michael Healy, Ironman Cairns two-time champion Max Nuemann, Ironman Cairns 2021 champion Kylie Simpson, and Cairns Regional Council's Cr Max O'Halloran at the finish line for the 2022 event.

“When am I eating or drinking, am I being mindful of my pace, and then what’s happening within the race itself: where are my competitors and should I be responding to anything.”

Mr Neumann said the mantra for Ironman newbies should be patience.

“Like everyone says, this is such a long day, just be patient,” he said.

“If you get excited at the start, you’re going to feel it six hours later.”

Triathlete in the 18 to 24-year-olds age group Matt O’Brien has headed back to Cairns to race solely against himself.

“This is a redemption race for me because I didn’t do as well as I would’ve liked on my first attempt back in 2020,” he said.

“I know technically you’re out there racing other people but the only person looking at your time is you.

“I used to put a heap of pressure on myself to do well but at the end of the day, it’s about getting out there and putting something together that you’re happy with.”

State MP for Cairns Michael Healy said the event was predicted to inject $12m into the local economy.

Originally published as Ironman Cairns defending champion Max Nuemann and Kylie Simpson share their wisdom as event returns