Wānaka ironman Braden Currie will take on the best in the world this Sunday (September 10) when he competes at the Ironman World Championships in Nice (France).

Following a robust training season in Noosa, Australia, and St Moritz, Switzerland, Braden enters Nice healthy, injury-free, and ready to race in what he describes as the pinnacle event of his career.

Braden said he has dedicated the last decade of his life in pursuit of the world champion title.

“Winning the Ironman World Championships would be an incredible feeling," he said.

"I personally feel like it's within my reach, I have the ability to do this and we've definitely applied ourselves to it and committed to it."

Braden said his preparation has been rigorous and meticulous and some of the best training he has ever done.

After arriving in Nice two weeks prior to race day, Braden has been familiarising himself with the course and surroundings and is enthusiastic about the dynamic course terrain.

He expects the challenging bike course with almost 3,000 metres of climbing, lots of bends and a long fast descent (much like the Ironman World Championships in St George last year, where he placed third) to suit his skill set.

“Being a smaller athlete, I have the ability to climb well in a dynamic environment," he said. 

“The swim starts right in the centre of Nice off the beach. It’s a pretty stunning location and an overall amazing place to compete. 

“The four-lap run course, I think will be quite fast and it might get hot later on, but from what we can see, it all looks promising."

The Ironman World Championships 2023 promises to be an exciting event that will be broadcast live. Find information on live-streaming the event here and here.

PHOTO: Onphotos