Tight Battle Ahead: Top Female Triathletes Gear Up for Ironman 70.3 Tasmania's Inaugural Race

Ironman 70.3 Tasmania is all set to see a fierce competition among the 10 professional female triathletes.

The big picture: 10 professional female triathletes will compete in the first ever Ironman 70.3 Tasmania on February 5th, in nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania. The race consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km ride, and 21.1km run, with the winner being crowned at the finish line in Princes Wharf No.1.

What they are saying: Brisbane's Ellie Salthouse is the top seed and is feeling confident heading into the race, following her win at Ironman 70.3 Melbourne in November. Salthouse described the win as "special" after overcoming a difficult year with injury and coaching changes, as well as poor performances.

Grace Thek had a unique preparation for the Ironman 70.3 Tasmania, as she got married the weekend before the event in Melbourne. Thek is excited for the race, and the opportunity to explore Hobart, but has put her honeymoon plans on hold.

Canberra's Penny Slater is eager to be a part of the brand-new Ironman 70.3 event and views the hilly bike course as a challenge that will test early season fitness. Slater spent the summer training back home in Canberra and has been building back her fitness following a break in December.

Context: This is the first time Ironman 70.3 Tasmania will be held, making it a new location for the professional female triathletes to race in. The athletes are excited to race in a new location, with the bike course being a highlight for many. The event is expected to be challenging, with hills that will test early season fitness.

Worth noting: Ellie Salthouse, the top seed, is feeling the fittest she's felt at this time of the year and is eager to compete. Grace Thek is taking advantage of the opportunity to race in a new location and explore Hobart, while Penny Slater is excited to be a part of the inaugural Ironman 70.3 in Tasmania.

Ironman 70.3 Tasmania – Women’s Professional Field Start List

• 21 – Ellie Salthouse – (AUS)
• 22 – Grace Thek – (AUS)
• 23 – Penny Slater – (AUS)
• 24 – Meredith Hill – (AUS)
• 25 – Renee Kiley – (AUS)
• 26 – Sophie Perry – (AUS)
• 27 – Chloe Hartnett – (AUS)
• 28 – Ai Ueda – (JPN)
• 29 – Cassandra Heaslip – (AUS)
• 30 – Ellen Guiney – (AUS)