International Professional triathlete set to compete in Mid West event

Professional Ironman Triathlete Kate Bevilaqua will make her way to Geraldton in April for the Market Creations Endure Batavia Triathlon.

The 36-year-old is the first ever professional female triathlete to travel to Geraldton to compete in the region’s premier triathlon event, marking it an exciting feat for organisers of the annual event.

Geraldton Triathlon Club President Simon Teakle said it was a huge honour to have Kate participating, giving the female field in the race an exhilarating edge for 2014.

“Kate is such a great ambassador, not just for triathlon as a sport but also for triathlon at a grassroots level,” he said. “Having Kate at the Endure will add some real buzz to the action on the day.

“We are very proud that our event has attracted such a high calibre of athlete to the region and we’re looking forward to showcasing everything Geraldton has to offer as a race location.”

Bevilaqua is a full-time triathlete boasting an impressive CV of global achievements including being a three-time Ironman champion, winning the 2013 Ironman Louisville in Kentucky, USA, the 2011 Ironman Korea and the 2010 Ironman Western Australia.

Bevilaqua spends six months of the year in Perth and the other six months in Idaho USA.

She said her partner Guy Crawford, who is also a professional triathlete, aim to compete in a regional event every year and this year, they pegged Geraldton for their annual country race.

“Guy and I were only recently discussing what regional race we’d take on this year and it just so happened that the next day we got a call from the organisers of the Endure Batavia inviting us to Geraldton,” she said.

“We’re excited to head to Geraldton and see what the competition and location has to offer.” Ultimately, Bevilaqua would like to take out the title.

“We have heard there is always a great field of talented athletes here, but we would both love to take out the win,” she said.

“This race in an Olympic distance triathlon so it will be quite quick compared to the longer distance races that we are used to.

“But we will be out there to try our best.”

The Market Creations Endure Batavia Triathlon is being held on 6th April at the Geraldton Foreshore.

Competitors can enter into either the short course, long course or take on the team challenge. Registrations are now open online.

Visit the Geraldton Triathon Club website geraldtontriclub.com.au and follow the links to Endure Batavia Triathlon.