Search
shop

Kienle adds name to IRONMAN New Zealand roll of honour

Sebastian Kienle's farewell tour will start in New Zealand as he races in the second oldest IRONMAN in the world for the first time
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

It’s been confirmed that Sebastian Kienle will be on the start list for the Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupō on 4th March.

The popular German triathlete, winner of the IRONMAN World Championship at Kona in 2014 and the 70.3 Worlds in 2012 and 2013, had already announced that 2023 will be his last year as a pro and feature some bucket list races on what is his farewell – or ‘discontinued’ – tour.

Advertisement

‘One of those dream races’

IRONMAN New Zealand is the second oldest IRONMAN in the world. First held in 1985, it’s welcomed many global stars of the sport to its start line, though not Kienle until now.

The men’s titles have been dominated by New Zealanders, including Cameron Brown an astonishing 12 times and two-time winner and reigning champ, Braden Currie.

And it’s caught the attention of Kienle over the years, with the 38-year-old saying: “Cam Brown, Terenzo [Bozzone, who won it on his 10th attempt in 2018], I always had a lot of respect for these guys, and I love to watch them race. The race has such a great and long history. I can’t imagine a better place to do the first IRONMAN for my ‘discontinued’ tour.

sebastian-kienle-kona-2022-bike
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN

“New Zealand is an absolute classic in the IRONMAN calendar. When I started the sport there were only a handful of races, New Zealand was always one of those dream races.

“I’ve never been able to do the race because of the time of the year but now I gave myself the freedom to take things a little sideways, not do an off-season, and race more and earlier. I won’t save anything for later anymore,” added Kienle.

The 2023 IRONMAN New Zealand returns to its usual slot this year after being postponed from March to December in 2022 due to COVID restrictions in place at the time.

The event consists of a 3.8km swim in Lake Taupō, a 180km ride through idyllic New Zealand countryside and a 42.2km run along the lakefront.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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

Share to...