By MATT NICHOLLS
ON THE back of another successful Ironman Australia event, Port Macquarie is buzzing at the thought of having the Prime Minister compete next year.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has signalled his intentions to compete at Port Macquarie next year and, should the polls be accurate, would become the first world leader to compete in an Ironman event.
Mr Abbott, 55, drew wide criticism in 2010 when he entered the Port Macquarie race, but finished in 14 hours – three hours before the cut-off.
The Coalition leader said his participation at Port Macquarie would be subject to the demands of the prime ministerial schedule.
Meanwhile, thousands lined the streets of the city on Sunday to cheer on the athletes.
Champions Luke Bell and Rebecca Hoschke turned adversity to victory to claim breakthrough wins.
Injury forced both to pull out during the bike leg of the Ironman Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne last month. Rather than waste all that training, both decided to front up in Port Macquarie.
It proved a fortuitous decision, as they both went on to record their maiden Ironman victories.
The top spot on the podium was the only thing missing from Bell’s trophy cabinet that contains 19 Iron Man 70.3 wins and four Ironman runner-up finishes.
“It’s been a little over 10 years, so it’s nice to be able to tick it off, but it makes it more special that it’s here at Ironman Australia,” Bell said.
“This is where it all started, so it’s only fitting that I achieved it here. I do a lot of races around the world, but it’s always nicer to win one at home with your family and friends here.”
Bell dominated his competition leading out of the water and racing solo to the finish line in a time of 8:30.22. American Patrick Evoe was second in 8:42.57 with Australian Luke Whitmore rounding out the podium in 9:03.28.
For Hoschke, the win came after a stellar 2012 saw her finish third at Ironman Western Australia.
Leanne Southwell led the pro women out of the water, and held onto the lead until she was caught by race favourite Nicole Ward and fellow Aussies Hoschke and Ange Castle.
By the end of the bike leg, Hoschke and Castle had separated themselves from the rest of the field.
Hoschke held onto a two minute lead for first half of the run.
Castle, competing in her first Ironman as a professional, battled hard all day but couldn’t reduce the gap.
Ward rounded out the podium in third place.
“Two days ago I woke up sick and didn’t think I could race today, but I’m so glad I did – the locals and the support from the crowd is amazing,” she said.
“I loved every minute of the bike today, I felt strong, and I loved that course.”
Meanwhile, the crowds were on their feet when blind athlete Nathan Johnston completed his first Ironman.
His pilot, the equally remarkable Glenn Goric, finished his 21st Ironman Australia. They completed their outstanding achievement in 14:12.21.
Sebastian Terry ticked off two items from his much-publicised 100 Bucket List. Earlier in the week he handed over a cheque for $100,000 to Camp Quality.
On Sunday he also completed an Ironman, one of the hardest things he has done. Competing in the 30-34 years category, Terry finished in 12:19.26.
Sydney’s Dave Ross celebrated his 27th finish at Ironman Australia.
The Randwick legend has completed more Ironman Australia races than anyone else.
The 63-year-old got home in 14:48.34 in an excellent effort.
PICTURES COURTESY www.nashyspix.com
