Ironman champions Chris McCormack and Rebekah Keat will head line a world class field to compete at the inaugural 2012 Cairns Airport Cairns Ironman this Sunday.

A string of world class names in both fields have opted to contest the event which is a great reflection on the event and sure to produce some outstanding racing.

New Zealand’s Cameron Brown will contest his second Ironman in Australia this year finishing second at the inaugural Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne back in March.

The 10 time Ironman New Zealand champion turned in an outstanding performance in Melbourne, but says he is not in the same shape having a different preparation, and battling a virus for the past two weeks.

Already in Cairns, Brown has been out riding over the course, giving the roads a huge wrap and predicting some fast times on the bike.

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“The run also looks fast but I hope it's not as hot as last year, if the sun and humidity come out then it could be close to Hawaii heat.

“The only thing I won't be doing is the swim, I'll save that until race day - all I keep thinking about are the crocs,” said Brown.

Rebekah Keat returned home last weekend from her training base in the US ahead of this weekend’s race. The Ironman champion is ready for retribution in Cairns after a disappointing race in Melbourne.

“I made some rookie errors in Melbourne and let the frustrations of the way the race unfolded get to me. This won't happen again, I learnt my lessons.”

In 2011 Keat came from behind to win the Iron distance event in Cairns from ‘then’ rookie Michelle Mitchell.

The 226km race will include a 3.8km swim in Sailfish Quay, a fast and smooth 180km bike taking in the stunning Captain Cook Highway up to Port Douglas and 42.2km run from Marlin Coast to the Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns finish line, located in the heart of Cairns at Fogarty Park.

The 2012 Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns is one of nearly 30 Ironman events worldwide. Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns will be a P-2000 level race and will offer 100,000 EUR professional prize purse and additionally, 40 Ironman World Championship qualifying slots will be available for age group athletes.

RACE START: Sunday, 3 June at 7:05am