This Sunday, all eyes will be on Tropical North Queensland as the women’s professional field lines up for the 2025 Ironman Cairns – arguably one of the most tightly contested races of the season so far. With past champions returning, rising stars peaking, and vital points for the ironman Pro Series on the line, the tropical heat won’t be the only thing sizzling in Cairns.
A Champion Returns with a Target on Her Back
New Zealand’s Hannah Berry is back to defend her title after a commanding debut victory in Cairns last year. The reigning champion has had a strong start to her 2025 campaign, finishing second at the Pro Series opener in Geelong. But this weekend marks her first Long Distance race of the year, and she’s hungry for more.
“Last year’s win meant a lot. I was really targeting this race last year so to get the win and have all the work pay off was really nice. I don’t feel extra pressure at all heading into this year, but I do feel a little bit of extra motivation wearing the number one bib. It’s always great to have the opportunity to try and defend a title,” said Berry.
“I’m really excited to race another ironman. I love the problem solving and tactics of an ironman race day, there are always tough moments to overcome and there’s always a lot to learn,” she added.
There’s more than just a title defence on Berry’s mind. World Championship qualification and Pro Series points make this race crucial for her season.
“There is a lot on the line. Obviously, I’d love to defend my title, and getting an ironman World Championship qualification is really important as I would really like to give Kona a good crack this year to see what I can achieve at World Champs. But at the end of the day, I just want to have a good race for where I’m at and ideally have better numbers than in the race here last year. Who knows where that’ll get me in the strong field this year, but if I achieve that I have to be happy,” Berry explained.
“Any Ironman win is special. To win an Ironman two years in a row would be really special. I’m just feeling fortunate to have the opportunity to defend the title and be in this position to start with, so Sunday will just be about going out there and making the most of what the days brings,” she said.
Wilms Back in the Game After a Measured Start
Dutch athlete Lotte Wilms, based on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, is another big name to watch. She had a remarkable 2024 season, landing on the podium at both Ironman Texas and ironman Cairns, and finishing third in the overall Pro Series standings.
“After the experience of last year and having so many highs I know to be competitive in the ironman Pro Series you have to be patient and very consistent during the year to get consistent performances. My mind is in a good shape, and I have a lot of confidence coming to Cairns this year. I love the place, I love the course, and it is great to be back with the Australian Ironman family,” said Wilms.
Wilms’ 2025 campaign started slower due to health issues, but her recent fifth place at Ironman 70.3 St. George has her feeling optimistic.
“I did change my race calendar after I realised my health needed time to recover. I couldn’t speed up anything so just need to be patient and believe in my team and the process. It was best for my interest and health to start later this year so I can still have an outstanding year. After St. George I got a lot of confidence back to come away with fifth. My confidence has been growing in every session since I’ve been back preparing for Cairns,” she said.
Hollioake Looks to Keep the Crown Down Under
While Berry and Wilms have both raced and won at the highest level in Cairns, Australian Regan Hollioake will be making her debut. But with three ironman titles already under her belt in just two years as a pro, she arrives with credentials – and confidence.
“I’m so excited to race for the first time in Cairns. I’ve had a lot of success racing close to home where I’m happiest. When I’m happy, I race well, and I’ve never been in a better place physically or emotionally than where I am right now. I’ve had an excellent training block coming into this race and feel like I’m in the best form I’ve ever been in – the desire and belief are high,” said Hollioake.
Her motivation? Representing her country and extending a proud tradition.
“The start list is stacked and I’m super excited to go toe to toe with some seriously speedy girls and show the rest of the world why racing Down Under is world class. I’ve grown as an athlete immensely over the past 12 months and certainly back myself in to push at the front come Sunday,” she said. “I also don’t believe anyone other than an Aussie or Kiwi has won this race since Jodie Cunnama in 2016 which bodes well for the local girls, and I want to keep that tradition going.”
After winning Ironman New Zealand earlier this year, Hollioake faced disappointment with a DNF in Texas, which was her first.
“The DNF in Texas was a big disappointment for me, but with hard times come good lessons. We have worked through what went wrong and the takeaways from that have absolutely made me a better athlete. I had some major issues with hydration, fuelling and bike set up that we have dialled in over the past month during my training camp in Kona. I’m confident that I won’t have issues with that again and am really excited to showcase the work we put in before and since Texas, that I didn’t get to showcase that day. There’s nothing like a setback to light the fire inside,” said Hollioake.
She knows Cairns is a chance to reset her Pro Series campaign and make a serious statement.
“The misfire in Texas certainly put a detour in my ironman Pro Series plans. To date, I’ve only posted one ironman 70.3 result in Geelong in March. A solid result in Cairns is imperative for my Pro Series push. As always, we have plans A, B and C, but this race is an excellent opportunity for me to get some solid points on the board.”
But above all, this race means something special.
“I’ve been looking to this race all year and it would be a dream to take the tape on Sunday. Outside of the ironman World Championship in Kona, this is the race I’ve been targeting. Cairns is such an important race on the calendar in the Southern Hemisphere – and now worldwide with the Pro Series – with a seriously impressive list of past winners. The absolute reason I do this sport is for opportunities like this, to win a race of the calibre on home soil – what an absolute dream!
“Being only a few hours flight from home, I’m also lucky enough to have friends and family coming up to support me and I love nothing more than being able to share these moments with them. This motivates me even more to put on a show in return for all the love and support they provide me.”
Other Names in the Mix
American Jackie Hering, fresh off a DNF in Hamburg, is flying in late to join the fray, while Aussie Penny Slater – seventh in Nice last year – could be another dark horse to shake things up
