ew season of pro racing action kicks off this weekend at Ironman 70.3 Picon. The male pro field sees two Canadians going head-to-head. One is currently 91st in the PTO world rankings while the other has no ranking as he wades into long distance for the fir Canadian Olympian Matt Sharpe has already landed in Chile. He is game to compete since recovering from a recent PRP injection the sidelined h before his final race last year at Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells. Sharpe is no rookie to the 70.3 distance. It will be his first time though racing under his Volcano are absolutely breathtaking.”Fans can expect an exciting battle on the tough run course. With the challenging heat and hills things can change quickly. “I had a good run here last year so I’ll be looking to make a move or two during the final leg,” added Sharpe Matthew Sharpe racing ITU WTCS. Photo: Kevin MackinnonWhile, he has his race plan dialed in he still has to clinch his plans for the season. “I still haven’t fully figured out my 2025 race calendar. I plan on competing at 70.3 Oceanside next, but so does the entire triathlon universe. My goals for the 2025 season are to remain at the front of the race and consistently hit podiums at 70.3 events. I’d love to race in the yet-to-be announced T100 Vancouver event. And I think there might be a fall full distance IRONMAN in the cards!New race distance for MislawchukFellow Olympian Tyler Mislawchuk will also be on scene facing down the longest distance of his racing career. It is the first time he steps away from short course racing to tackle the 70.3 distance. Uncertain what to expect, Malanchuk curiously asked his fans on Instagram how they thought he will fare on the longer run course. He and Sharpe come to the 70.3 distance from successful careers racing as elites for the ITU World Triathlon Championship Series.
Ironman 70.3 Picon is touted as one of the brand’s most scenic races. The course promises hot temperatures, hilly bike and run and a beautiful ocean swim. It is also the first chance this year for pros and age groupers to nab their spot for the 2025 Vin Fast Ironman 70.3 World Champions