TRI247
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 -
SHOP

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
winter cycling
Winter cycling gear guide – Essential cycling kit and accessories to keep riding all year round
Jonny Brownlee swim pool neom 2022 Photo Bartlomiej Zborowski Superleague Triathlon
Jonny Brownlee on the pool swimming drills to do now to get faster in open water
TRI-FIT Rapid X goggles Jenny Lucas-Hill
TRI-FIT RAPID-X swimming goggles review – A contender for the best swim goggles for pool and open water?
Triathlete riding a time trial bike wearing a Ryzon tri suit
Tri suit buying guide: how to find your perfect tri suit
Two women swimming in cold water with safety gear
Essential Cold Water Swimming Gear & Safety Tips
latest News
Cameron Wurf IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 run Photo credit: Getty Images for IRONMAN
Cam Wurf ACES New York Marathon just one week after brutal IRONMAN Kona triathlon slugfest
Sebastien Kienle Challenge Family The Championship 2019
Legend Sebastian Kienle is now an Age Grouper and a winner again, but not in triathlon
The PTO's CEO Sam Renouf
PTO 2.0? Decoding the latest on triathlon’s big bet with Age Groupers and not TV now the key
Georgia Taylor Brown supertri Neom 2024 finish hoto credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
“I really did that the hard way!” – Georgia Taylor-Brown’s relief after DOWN-TO-THE-WIRE supertri hat-trick
Hayden Wilde wins supertri Chicago 2024 photo credit: supertri
Hayden Wilde targets IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship glory next after supertri title success
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...