NEW Zealand native Michelle Bremer has no plans to relinquish her crown when she takes to the Ironman Port Macquarie course on Sunday as the defending champion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She may have a target on her back but it won't bother the now veteran racer, who aims to the complete her 10th triathlon this weekend.
After turning professional in 2011, Bremer competed in her first Ironman that same year over in Western Australia with a goal to finish. She ended up winning.
The same can be said about her venture to Port 12 months ago when she competed for the first time and took home the title.
"Last year was my first time racing here and as I'm based in Penrith these days it has turned into a home away from home for me," she said.
"It's really exciting to be back to try and defend my title and I'm confident I can do it. My husband and my parents are here from NZ so I will have a lot of support which will spur me on."
After Bremer raced and won in her very first Ironman, she decided she simply couldn't let it go and now finds herself in a position of being one of the top professionals on the course.
"The biggest challenge for me will be to run as fast as I can really," she said.
"My running has been progressing and I'm really excited for that leg but I do have some big goals in mind which will be the biggest challenge - to try and meet those goals."
She earmarks fellow Kiwi Gina Crawford and American Beth Gerdes as the biggest threats to dethroning her.
"Crawford is a quicker swimmer and will be out of the water before me so I'll have to play catch up," she said.
"Beth is an incredible runner and will be another one to watch in the later end of the day but in saying that I'm confident that I can win it again."
She believes her best leg will be the bike, with a new training regime headed up by new coach Ryan Williams aiding her in the lead up to the event.
"I'm excited for my bike leg. I think that is the one that will really get me ahead and where I can gain an advantage," Bremer said.
Each year the athlete's praise the support from the Port Macquarie community and that is no different for Bremer who describes the crowd as 'incredible'.
"The crowd support at this event is pretty incredible. It feels like this Ironman is a part of the town," she said.
"It would be hard to imagine Ironman Australia not being in Port Macquarie so that really pumps you up.
"The beauty of the course is also really nice, not that you pay too much attention when you're under the pump for nine hours or so."
