Newport duo Lizzie Welborn, Conner Maggs eye off success as Iron Series prepares for launch

Lizzie Welborn is aiming to go one better and Conner Maggs is preparing for life as an athlete fresh after graduation. The Newport duo are set to fire as the Ironman/woman Series returns.

(From left) Matt Bevilacqua, Lana Rogers, Conner Maggs, Lizzie Welborn and Ali Day at the launch of the Nutri-Grain Ironman/woman Series at Bondi Icebergs. Picture: Surf Life Saving Australia

They’re the Newport duo looking to make a huge impact on this season’s Ironman/woman Series.

Lizzie Welborn and Conner Maggs will fly the flag for the northern beaches as Australia’s elite athletes prepare for the gruelling six-race series, kicking off on December 16.

“We’ve spent the off-season training together, and have a lot of other Ironmen and Ironwomen training with us as well,” Welborn said.

“We really trust the program that our coaches put together and we’ve lifted as a team because everyone was excited for the massive summer of racing and we had a few people looking to make the Nutri-Grain Series.”

After a second-placed finish last season, Welborn is looking to go one better this time around with the opening weekend giving her an advantage at Manly.

“It’s a really exciting time because by now all the hard work is done, so now it’s time to focus on executing the best races we can and making sure we’re doing all the little things right,” she said.

Conner Maggs at the launch of the Nutri-Grain Ironman/woman Series at Bondi Icebergs. Picture: Surf Life Saving Australia

Lizzie Welborn at the launch of the Nutri-Grain Ironman/woman Series at Bondi Icebergs. Picture: Surf Life Saving Australia

“I really enjoy this period now coming into racing season.

“We swim in Manly so we’re there a lot. We always do a few sessions during the week there to change it up.

“Hopefully we’ll know all the nooks and crannies of the beach and be able to figure it out come race day.”

Maggs made his debut at as a 17-year-old last season and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s hottest young prospects.

After graduating high school last month, he’s ready to tackle his next venture.

“I’m feeling very relieved to finish school, it’s been a long 13 years doing that and now I’m moving into being a full-time professional athlete,” he said.

“It’s exciting finishing the HSC and then coming to trial. I didn’t really know what was going on because I missed a lot of training due to HSC, injury and illness.

“But I’m excited to be in the series this year. I’m no longer the youngest in the series, and there’s a few young guys trying to come for those big names.”

Maggs earned his place through a wildcard this season, and is taking inspiration from some of the sport’s biggest names as he looks to continue his upwards trajectory.

“I’ve always been a believer of going into a race and trying to win it,” he said.

“Last year I learnt a lot about race tactics, nutrition and recovery, and all those one percenters that make such a huge difference.

“That’s why Ali (Day) and Bevie (Matt Bevilacqua) have been at the top of their game for so long.

“Hopefully I can bring that into this year’s racing and get a better result in the series.”