BATHURST pair Luke Gillmer and Terry Roberts are getting prepared to take on the best in the world when they make the journey for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
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For Gillmer it will be a special occasion as it’s his first trip to the World Championships.
Luckily for the Bathurst triathlete he’s had a full year to prepare for his Hawaiian adventure, which takes place on October 8.
He finished sixth overall, and importantly inside the top four of his 30-34 age category, at the Lake Tahoe Ironman over 12 months ago to qualify for Kona.
That result was impressive not only because it was Gillmer’s first attempt at the Ironman distance but because he made a wrong turn during the bike leg.
Gillmer said it’s been handy having all that time up his sleeve to prepare.
“I’ve been really lucky with that. I took the next three months off to recover physically and mentally,” he said.
“From Christmas last year I began to do a bit more work … because with the baby coming I knew that would put the brakes on.”
The birth of his first child, Levi, almost five months ago has added to what has already been a memorable year for the Bathurst triathlete.
Gillmer said the fact he’s off to the World Championships is only just starting to set in.
“Just this week I’ve gotten really excited about it. Work’s finishing up and it’s hard to concentrate. It feels unbelievable,” he said.
“I’m exhausted but it’s going to be worth it.
“I’ve been very consistent with training. I’ve done about 16 hours a week and over the last three weeks I’ve moved up to about 20 to 22 hours a week. I’ve really been pushing myself to get the volume in.
“I was fourth in the Mudgee half marathon and was sixth at Dubbo. With the local bike racing guys I’ve been racing as strong as I ever have been. I’m ready to roll.”
Gillmer is setting himself some aims for his first crack at the event, but won’t be disappointed if he doesn’t reach them.
"I’m just happy to be there but if I could finish inside the top 10 then that would be amazing,” he said.
“But I have to face the reality of this race. I have to remember that there’s going to be Canadian Luke, American Luke and so on. That’s what happens you try and take on the rest of the world.”
Roberts had to wait a little longer to book his spot at the World Championships.
He qualified in June thanks to his second place in the men’s 50-54 years age group at the Cairns Ironman, coming home in a very impressive time of 10 hours and 43 seconds.
Showing his remarkable consistency as a top-tier triathlete, the superb Cairns showing marks the seventh time that Roberts has qualified for Kona and the sixth time that he will compete.