Veteran pro Cameron Brown said he simply could not miss being in the field when Challenge Roth marks its 20th anniversary this weekend.
The 50-year-old New Zealander took part in the inaugural event in Bavaria back in 2002, and some 20 years on he is relishing the chance to push his younger rivals hard on Sunday.
Although Brown admits his career at the elite level is almost over, he insisted he still feels ready to compete.
Cameron Brown on Roth journey
He said: “I had to come back for the 20th anniversary. I was 29 when I finished second in 2002 and I’m now 50 and still racing pro!
“Plus, this race offered the perfect opportunity to escape New Zealand after three years!
“I love the sport and I continue to challenge myself every year. But my time is coming, and my last race will probably be IRONMAN New Zealand in 2023.”
Brown was ranked in the world’s top 10 as recently as 2013, and has won IRONMAN New Zealand 10 times.
As he prepares to exit the pro ranks, he can reflect with pride on what he has achieved.
Brown said: “It’s been a fantastic career and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but now it may be time to get a real job.
“It’s a different challenge this year, but I’ll still be trying to get into the top bracket and of course beat a few of the young ones.”
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
