Ironman New Zealand 2023: Champions to Battle it Out for the Title

Ironman champions, including defending champion Braden Currie, 12-time champion Cameron Brown, and 2014 World Champion Sebastian Kienle, will compete in Ironman New Zealand.

Ironman New Zealand 2023: Champions to Battle it Out for the Title
Braden Currie is the reigning Ironman New Zealand champion. Photo: Korupt Vision

The 2023 Ironman New Zealand will feature a defending champion, a 12-time champion, and a 2014 World Champion in the men's professional field. The event, set to take place on Saturday, will have Kiwi Braden Currie as the top male seed and reigning Ironman New Zealand champion, having held the title since 2021 when professionals last raced over the full distance.

Sebastian Kienle will make his Ironman New Zealand debut and is expected to shake up the usual dynamics of the race, as he brings a lot more bike power to the event.

Sebastian Kienle finished sixth at the 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona. Photo: Donald Miralle

The legendary New Zealand triathlete Cameron Brown is also on the start list.

The big picture: Triathletes around the world are eagerly anticipating the 2023  Ironman New Zealand race, which will feature three champions competing against each other. Braden Currie, Sebastian Kienle, and Cameron Brown are set to take on the swim, bike and run in Taupō, with Currie being the top male seed and defending champion.

What they are saying: Currie is feeling relaxed and ready for the race, having had a good summer of training. He acknowledges the tough competition, but he is focusing on his own race.

12-time Ironman New Zealand champion Cameron Brown will be making his 25th start and last as a professional at the event. Photo: Delly Carr

Kienle is also excited about the race, despite having suffered from an illness before flying over. He believes that he can finish on the podium, having trained with Currie and assessing his chances.

Brown, a legendary New Zealand triathlete, will also be in the mix, making the race even more competitive.