Ironman Western Australia 2022: Max Neumann claims Ironman title one second shy of course record

Queenslander Max Neumann has claimed the title of GWM Ironman Western Australia, crossing the finish line one second shy of the course record. The 27-year-old claimed the victory with an impressive 07:45:21 run, 16 minutes clear of last year’s winning time of 08:01:33. Neumann said though it was a tough effort, his passion for the sport pushed him across the line. “Wouldn’t say it’s the ‘funnest’ profession but I just love it out there,” he said. “That was as hard as it gets on that bike, it felt like we had headwind the entire way… and thank god it wasn’t too hot or that would have been a long run.” The professional athlete claimed the victory after winning Ironman Cairns earlier this year, and placing fourth overall in the VinFast Ironman World Championship in Noosa, where he broke the 25-year-old course record. Coming in just one second shy of the course record of 07:45:20, Neumann admitted it was “very harsh” to come so close to the record, but it didn’t dampen his spirits. “I don’t try to race for time, the only time I’m having is a good one,” he said. He said racing at home in Australia was the “best” in the world. “The Aussie support is always the best around the world,” he said. “I love racing in Australia… it always brings the best out of me, I hate travelling, so travel domestically and you get some of the best racing on offer.” Before the end of the year, Neumann is seeking to conquer the AusCycling Road Nationals Championships in New South Wales. Second to cross the line was Steve McKenna in 07:50:49, while last year’s winner, Perth’s Matt Burton, rounded out the podium with a 07:51:09 total run – 10 minutes clear of his 2021 winning time.