Subaru sponsored athlete, Braden Currie had an incredible day in the “office” yesterday, turning up the heat in Tropical North Queensland, not only claiming the top of the podium at the 2018 Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship in Cairns, but also setting a new course record.
Braden’s win was a welcome boost for his confidence after a tough twelve months.
“I am absolutely stoked. I had a pretty tough Cairns last year where I came in under prepared and gave it my all. Kona was a big disappointment, IRONMAN New Zealand I turned up sick and had to pull out.
“I can’t really believe that I have pulled off what I did today. This is a huge stepping stone for me and it feels great to have a great race and prove myself again. It is great to come back feeling fit and strong and have a great race.”
His battle on the run with second placed triathlon legend Javier Gomez, was a classic duel that not only delighted the crowd but has rejuvenated Currie and will send him to Kona a much stronger athlete.
“Racing shoulder to shoulder with Gomez is what we live for. He is the world’s best and a multiple world champion who was racing the full distance for the first time. He was going to give it his all, he wanted to race well and was pretty much going to kill himself to win. I just found some extra legs at the time when I needed too and I managed to get away from him. That was what I needed. Winning here is a stunning result and what an amazing field to do it against.”
“It has been a dream to go under eight hours, so to break the record here and go 7:54 on a pretty tough course, on a pretty honest day is an incredible feeling. Running has been my strength for years and I don’t think I have put together a good IRONMAN marathon so I definitely did that. It is nice to know that it is there and I have that weapon to use in the future.”
Subaru Marketing Manager, Daile Stephens is ecstatic for Braden. “We’ve been supporting Braden for several years now and from the moment we met, we knew he would go far in whatever direction he took with his racing. After a streak of bad luck we are thrilled that not only has he taken the title in an incredible field, he’s also realised his goal, once again qualifying for Kona. We are excited to be part of his road to success and can’t wait to see what unfolds at the IRONMAN World Championships in October.”
2018 Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Results - Male
1 Braden CURRIE 07:54:58 00:46:45 04:24:52 02:39:59
2 Javier GOMEZ NOYA 07:56:38 00:46:41 04:25:08 02:41:02
3 Terenzo BOZZONE 08:00:06 00:48:43 04:22:30 02:45:59
Subaru Public Relations
Catherine Pattison
T +64 27 4455 389
E catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz