Search
shop

Top pro credits competitiveness of IRONMAN Pro Series, says ten women capable of podium in Texas

IRONMAN Texas contender Rebecca Clarke (NZL) shares her thoughts ahead of the second stop of the IRONMAN Pro Series in The Woodlands, where the 35-year-old is set on securing qualification to the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

As one of the top contenders for the podium this weekend at IRONMAN Texas, Rebecca Clarke knows who to watch out for in the battle for the win, a slice of the prize purse and a ticket to Nice.

One of the most experienced athletes in the field, the 35-year-old is determined to punch her ticket to the French Riviera in September, where the best women in the world will go head to head.

However, the New Zealander acknowledges that it will be a real challenge, given the strength of depth she will be up against in the Lone Star State this weekend.

“I would say about 10 girls have a chance of the podium”

Underlining the calibre of her competitors, Clarke singled out defending champion Kat Matthews as someone to keep an eye on, but said that several women were capable of top performances on Saturday.

Rebecca Clarke photo credit Korupt Vision for IRONMAN
[Photo credit: Korupt Vision for IRONMAN]

“It’s a big field with 40 women racing and I would say I’ve probably raced against about a third of the athletes on the start list.

“I would say about 10 girls have a chance of the podium so it’s going to be a very competitive race. There are a couple of very strong swimmers so I expect there will be three or four of us coming out of the water together.

” The bike course is predominantly flat but could be windy which may break up bike groups. It’s hard to predict from there, strong cyclists further back may bridge up and the humid conditions may play a part.

“I expect athletes like Kat Matthews to be the ones making the moves going into the marathon.”

“I have really wanted to race there ever since”

With six spots up for grabs in both the men and women’s races to qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship, Clarke said her main focus is on finishing inside the Top 6 in Texas.

Challenge Wanaka 2023 Women podium - Grace Thek, Els Visser, Rebecca Clarke
Photo Credit: Ray Tiddy

“My main focus is firstly Nice IRONMAN World Champs qualification. I missed out on racing there in 2019 for the IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds and I’ve really wanted to race there ever since, so securing a slot for Nice is the first goal. There are six spots for pro females so a top six would guarantee a slot.” 

In addition to Nice qualification, gaining valuable points for the IRONMAN Texas is also an objective for the Kiwi, who is targeting the IRONMAN Pro Series in 2024.

“Banking good points for the IRONMAN Pro Series is also important, each race really counts with having five races for your total points.

“The last two years I’ve raced three Ironmans a year pretty consistently which will be rewarded in this series if you can race consistently all year and across three Ironmans.

“Also, as in all races I want to have a strong performance across swim, bike and run, and know I’ve given my best effort and overcome any challenges an IRONMAN can throw at you.”

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...