Eimear Mullan, Ireland’s first ever Ironman champion, has confirmed that she’ll be competing on home soil next Sunday 2nd September for the Ironman 70.3 in Galway.
The Irish line up also includes Boyzone singer Keith Duffy, former Miss World Rosanna Davison and Olympians David Gillick, Melanie Nocher and Scott Evans.
A relative newcomer to racing long-distance triathlon, Mullan, 30, from Co. Derry, goes into the race as a firm favourite with her eyes set on securing her third successive Ironman title this year, having already been crowned Champion at Ironman 70.3 UK and Ironman UK, in what was only her second Ironman race.
Mullan’s toughest competition in the women’s race will be from Tine Deckers, who like Mullan also made history for her country by becoming Belgium’s first Ironman Champion in 2009. With Tine having both won and broken the course record at Ironman France in June this year, as well as having many titles to her name, the women’s race promises to be a very exciting battle all the way to the finish line.
Ahead of racing Ironman 70.3 Ireland Eimear commented, “I can't wait to race at Galway, it will be amazing to race in front of a home crowd in such a huge race. ”
A strong Pro line up in the men’s field sees 2011 winner Mike Aigroz (SUI) set to defend his title, amongst fellow international favourites including 28 year old Georg Potrebitsch (GER), former 70.3 World Champion Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), and 2009 Ironman Florida Champion Kirill Kosegarov (EST). Paul Hawkins, representing GBR will be looking to continue his form and podium success having secured third place at last month’s Ironman UK.
Over 1,500 age group competitors will also take to the scenic countryside of Galway in this iconic race, which incorporates a 1.9km swim in Galway Bay followed by a 90km bike course on the gateway route of Connemara and finishes with a 21.1km run through Galway and Salthill.
For more information about this year’s Ironman 70.3 Ireland or becoming part of the event as a volunteer, visit the website www.ironmanireland.com.
