Nutri-Grain Ironman Series 2021: Former champion Bevilacqua ready to win just three weeks after breaking ribs

Three weeks after breaking his ribs, 2017-18 champion Matt Bevilacqua is ready to race in tomorrow’s Nutri-Grain Ironman series.

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MATT Bevilacqua has declared himself fighting fit and ready to race as he eyes a return to the top of the Nutri-Grain Ironman series following a runner-up finish in 2019-20.

The 2017-18 champion and seven-time series competitor broke his ribs in an incident with a ski just over three weeks ago, hampering his preparation for the opening weekend beginning at Kingscliff tomorrow.

But the Northcliffe SLSC competitor is “tried and tested and ready to go” for what he says will be the most challenging series he has ever contested.

“It’s going to be the most ironman racing we’ve had since the sport began,” Bevilacqua said.

“It will definitely be a mental challenge. If you start with a poor result you need to put that behind you and look to the next race as a fresh start each time. It will be tough, but hopefully my experience can help with that a bit.”

Northcliffe ironman Matt Bevilacqua has overcome broken ribs to return to the Nutri-Grain Ironman series and reclaim the title he last held in 2017-18.

The 28-year-old’s preparation for the condensed series, comprising six rounds held over two weekends in February, has not been ideal, courtesy of the rib injury.

But he has thrown himself into training over the past week to test the ribs and feels confident the worst of the pain is behind him.

“It’s like a dull stitch now,” he said.

“It was really painful the first couple of weeks, having to train through it.

“We had race practise last weekend getting ready for the back-to-back races this weekend and things went well. We’ve had a lot of big swells over the past few weeks and I’ve been throwing myself among it.

“I’ve never really had to deal with an injury before now – I’ve had a long career so far and only the one bad injury, so it was interesting to deal with that and I’ve learned a lot.”

The former champion and seasoned campaigner said the shorter format would likely suit the more experienced competitors.

“It’s my eighth year in the series now so I’ll be relying on a bit of skill and experience,” he said.

“I’ve worked to the point now where I’m confidence I can put together a good weekend’s worth of racing no matter what.

“The positive is I’m going into this weekend a lot fresher after a bit of time off and with renewed vigour.”