Posted: October 7, 2004

Triathlon: Double success for Ironman New Zealand triathlon

Ironman New Zealand triathlon, the biggest annual one-day international sporting event in this country, is going bananas.

They have signed a two-year contract with Bonita Bananas and Turners & Growers as the naming sponsor for the event set for 5 March, 2005 in Taupo.

And organisers celebrated a double success by signing arguably the world’s top ranked Ironman Triathlon Cameron Brown to compete at Ironman New Zealand for the next two years.

Bonita Ironman New Zealand is the oldest and biggest international qualifying race for the Ironman Triathlon World Championships. The 21st Ironman New Zealand event is expected to attract more than 1000 competitors from over 40 countries.

"This event is truly a test of fitness and fortitude, and we are proud to associate our natural energy food with these outstanding athletes," said Turners & Growers Imports Manager Patrick Corson.

"We're very excited about being involved in the 2005 Ironman," said Mr Corson. "Bonita bananas from Ecuador have been proven to give more energy than other bananas imported into New Zealand, and we hope this extra energy hit will help the Ironman competitors to attain record results."

Organisers said they were thrilled to sign Brown for a further two years. Brown, who heads to Hawaii next week to prepare for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii on 16 October, will attempt to rewrite the record books for his fifth victory in a row at Taupo in March.

Brown is the only Ironman competitor to place on the podium at Hawaii on each of the last three years, finishing second in 2001 and third in 2002 and last year.

"My focus right now is totally on Hawaii, and I’m really pleased with my preparations for that race. But looking ahead Ironman New Zealand is very important for me,’’ Brown said.

"It’s great to be able to race in front of friends, family and in my own country. Next year is important for me as no other competitor has ever won more than four times at Ironman New Zealand.

"Right now I am equal with Erin Baker who won it four times also. To have the opportunity to break the record of such a Kiwi sporting icon is very humbling.

"I’m thrilled that this race is growing not only in support from athletes but with Bonita’s support. I race around the world, and the Taupo race more than matches any of them. And there’s no better synergy than having a company like Turners & Growers, and Bonita supporting the race.’’

Bonita, an international banana brand leader distributed in New Zealand by Turners & Growers, have been involved with the Ironman New Zealand event for several years, endorsing the Bonita philosophy to support events that have a natural synergy to healthy eating and lifestyle.