Taupo hosts highly anticipated IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship

The New Zealand city of Taupo is ready to welcome the best triathletes in the world in the World championship HOMBRE DE HIERRO 70.3.

After a four-year wait due to the pandemic, the event promises to be one of the highlights of the year with a combination of elite athletes and thousands of triathlon fans.

More than 6.000 triathletes will be in the race

More than 110 professional triathletes will compete alongside 6.000 age group athletes in a weekend that celebrates the spirit of triathlon.

The $500.000 prize at stake and as the final test of the IRONMAN Pro Series, Taupo will be the perfect closing stage for an exciting season.

The races are scheduled for this weekend and can be followed live in Europe, with the women's race on Friday 14 December at 19:00 p.m. and the men's race on Saturday 15 at the same time.

In addition, there will be special broadcasts featuring real-time analysis and exclusive interviews with the athletes.

Favorites in the female category

Among women, the American Taylor Knibb She arrives as the big favourite. With nine consecutive victories in 70.3 and 100 km races, she is looking for her third world title IRONMAN 70.3 in a row. This run of success has positioned her as one of the most important athletes of the last decade in triathlon.

Her power on the cycling segment and recent T100 world title cement her status as the triathlete to beat. Knibb has demonstrated an exceptional ability to maintain a relentless pace even in the most demanding conditions, and Taupo will be no exception.

Their main rivals are the Australian Ashleigh Gentle, known for its fast running, and the Swiss Julie Derron, who has had an exceptional year with multiple podium finishes in international competitions. Gentle, with her ability to close the gap in the race segment, represents a constant threat, while Derron will look to use her versatility and experience to challenge the favourites.

Kat matthews, also from Britain, will be looking to consolidate her season with a strong performance after achieving podium finishes in IRONMAN and 70.3 events this year. Matthews, who has overcome significant adversity in recent years, arrives with renewed motivation and the intention of securing her place among the elite of world triathlon.

It will also be necessary to take into account the españolas Marta Sanchez y Sara Perez, who come to the test wanting to give it their all.

In addition, Marta arrives at the test with a recent victory in the IRONMAN 70.3 Western Australia, which makes it worth taking into account when betting.

An open men's category

In the men's race, there is no clear favourite, which promises excitement from the start. The diversity of competitors' styles and strategies adds an extra level of intrigue to the competition.

The New Zealander Hayden WildeOlympic medallist and Super League champion Wilde will benefit from home advantage. His knowledge of the terrain and ability to adapt to different conditions gives him a strategic advantage. Wilde, who combines explosive speed with stamina, will be a sight to behold for the home fans.

For his part, the French Leo Bergere, undefeated in his three appearances at IRONMAN 70.3, also figures to be one of the strongest contenders. With impeccable technique and outstanding tactical ability, Bergere will look to extend his winning streak in Taupo.

El defending champion, Rich Bogen, will try to revalidate his victory, while the local Kyle Smith, who has the advantage of knowing the course well, will look to take advantage of this in the race. Smith, who has already demonstrated his skill on this circuit, will have the unconditional support of the public to push him to new levels of performance.

Other names to keep in mind are the Belgian Jelle Geens, who has made a remarkable transition from the short-distance circuit, and the American Matthew Marquardt, known for its good performance in the racing segment.

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