Ironman: Brown hungry for Ironman victory

Cameron Brown celebrates his 11th Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand in Taupo last year. Photo / Delly Carr

A commanding Kiwi quartet are set to take on not only each other but an expected strong international field for the 32nd Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand in Taupo next month.

Cameron Brown, the undisputed King of Taupo, has confirmed that he will line-up to chase his 12th victory in New Zealand and will be joined by fellow Kiwi stars, Gina Crawford, Terenzo Bozzone and Dylan McNeice for the race on Saturday March 5.

Professional entries have now closed with the seeds due to be named by the end of the week.

With the recent cancellation of Ironman Melbourne after a clash of dates with the Formula One Grand Prix, a significant number of triathletes, both professionals and age-groupers, are expected to now cross the Tasman for the only early season race in Asia-Pacific.

"My motivation is as strong as ever," said 43-year-old Brown. "I'm very excited about the race and my mind's fresh. The race is always tough, there are always new challengers, but I hope to challenge again."

Brown enjoyed a fantastic first half to 2015 winning his first Ironman New Zealand for four years last March and later finishing second at Ironman Cairns. His second half of the year took a nose dive as a period of over-training at altitude in Boulder coupled with an emergency dental appointment impacted upon his ability to perform well in his return to the Ironman World Championship in Kona.

But he is fully recovered and fit for another tilt at Taupo.

Bozzone and McNeice completed an all-New Zealand podium last year in Taupo.

On four previous occasions, Bozzone has claimed second spot in his home Ironman event but each time he has found Brown just too good.

"Running a great Ironman race has always been something that has eluded me and I'd like to put that right," said Bozzone.

"I've definitely grown up a lot emotionally and mentally when it comes to knowing my body and knowing what it takes to become an Ironman champion. Physically, I know I can push my body deeper than anyone, it's just a matter of getting it right on the day."

Crawford has developed into one of the most consistent Ironman triathletes on the planet, never finishing off the podium at Taupo including victory in 2009.

In the last three years she has finished runner-up to the might of American Meredith Kessler.

"I don't think anyone expects me to win. I'm not setting too many goals. I am happy to see what happens and simply go with the flow."

The professional field will compete for nearly NZ$115,000 in New Zealand's richest annual one-day sporting race, with more than 1300 age group competitors battling for a record 55 qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship.