A GROUP of Wagga triathletes are set for the biggest test of their lives this weekend.
Ryan Miller, Jared Kahlefeldt, Angas Swann, Marcus Smith and Brad Kahlefeldt will all take part in Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, this weekend.
The group will be in for a shock to the system when they arrive to the Hawaiian heat and humidity to complete the 3.8 kilometre swim, 180km bike and 42km run event.
Most of the group qualified for the iconic sporting event with brilliant performances at the Port Macquarie Ironman earlier this year.
Miller will race in the competitive 35-39 age group and explained how the change in climate will be one of the biggest difficulties facing the Wagga crew.
“The hard bit will be going from our winter to their summer,” Miller said.
“If we were going over at the end of our season we would be in a lot better shape.
“A week ago we were riding on one degree mornings and we’re going over there with 30 degree temperatures with 100 per cent humidity.”
Miller has had an interrupted preparation with a procedure to have a melanoma removed costing him training time in the pool.
Miller said it has not dampened his enthusiasm for the event.
“It’s the old cliché but I watched the race on TV as a kid and thought I want to do it one day,” he said.
“It will be good to tick it off.”
Brad Kahlefeldt will compete in the professional division and is considered a top 10 chance.
