Australia’s inaugural ‘Port to Pub’ race is set to take place on March 19th and already the event has lined up some notable talent from the storied swimming country’s past.
Eamon Sullivan, Travis Nederpelt, Adam Lucas, Bobby Jovanovich, Jim Piper and Mark Riley are all set to participate in the ocean race from Leighton beach to Rottnest Island, whose journey totals 20k. The event actually kicks off in close proximity to 3-time-Olympian-turned-restaurateur Sullivan’s ‘Bib & Tucker’ eatery.
The race is unique in that it’s open to solos, pairs, as well as teams of 4 and 6. As such, the squad of past Olympians will be joining forces to split up the 20k adventure, planning to attack the race in one-minute bursts, giving each member 5-minute breaks. (Yahoo News)
Even one minute racing stents may prove to be challenge enough for Nederpelt in particular, as the 2-time Olympian, who is now a Tuart Hill swim coach, broke his leg several months ago playing football.
For Sullivan, despite a recovering Nederpelt, the former world record holder identifies himself as the squad’s chink in the armour. “Travis could be as unfit as anyone and he’ll still beat me … I’m 100 per cent the weak link,” Sullivan laughed.
“Even if we said we weren’t going to try to win, I think once the starting signal goes the animal instinct kicks in,” Sullivan said. “If there’s water involved and us swimming, it’s always competitive so we’ll definitely be having a crack.”
Sullivan continued, “We’re nowhere near as fit as we used to be and for me, I’m not fit and it’s a long-distance event so they’re two things going against me. But it’s good being competitive without your life being on the line after years of hard work, like it used to be with the Olympics.
“We still swim a few times a week together, but that’s really more about having breakfast. This time it’s more about having a beer afterwards and at the end of the day when you’re sitting on a boat with your mates relaxing, it makes it all worthwhile.”
The ‘Port to Pub’ has additional information on its race site, including a live tracker app you can use to follow along with the race.