Victoria Stone-Meadows

The new IRONMAN course route that does not encompass Macrossan Street is here to stay say the event organisers.

The new cycling route, which debuted on Sunday 9 June, sees cyclists in the IRONMAN Cairns event turning around at Barrier Street rather than travelling all the way to Macrossan Street. 

Related Coverage:
- BUSINESSES FEELING LEFT OUT OF CAIRNS IRONMAN FESTIVITIES
- KIWIS JUST TOO GOOD AT 2019 CAIRNS IRONMAN COMPETITION
- IRONMAN ROUTE CHANGES TO ENHANCE SPECTATOR EXPERIENCE

IRONMAN Oceania Regional Director, Rob Staling, said the new course is better for spectators and safer for cyclists. 

“We had no bike accidents on this part of the course this year and we have had numerous in previous years- the old course was very narrow in some sections; approximately two metres wide,” he said.

“For this reason and with the event growing in size I don’t think it would be wise to revert to the old course.

“Next year I would like to have a live stream on the big screen so spectators can follow the race - this hasn’t been done before.” 

The new course has drawn ire from some businesses in Port Douglas who feel they missed out on trading opportunities from a lack of foot traffic in Macrossan Street.

However, Mr Staling said IRONMAN Oceania have not received any negative feedback on the new course alignment.

“With the reduction of road closures in Port Douglas, the new turnaround location is more accessible to spectators and the local community,” he said.

“We haven’t received any direct negative feedback from businesses.”