NORTH Cronulla Beach will host two rounds of the 2015-16 Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series on January 16-17, 2016.
The official launch for the new season was on Thursday and heralds a return of the glamour series to Sutherland Shire.
It is the first time since the 2009-10 season the event returns to the area. And organisers have increased the entry field to 18 men and 18 women.
The 2015-16 series is expected to generate huge media coverage and a significant economic boost for the Cronulla community over the two days.
"It's a coup for the shire to get this series back at Cronulla," said Sutherland mayor Kent Johns.
"It will show to the world our great beaches and what a great area the shire is while giving locals front row seats to a world-class event."
It will be held over six rounds with the first two starting in Queensland at Coolum, Sunshine Coast, on November 28 and 29; rounds three and four at Newcastle on December 19 and 20; and finishing with the keenly awaited return to Sydney, with the final two rounds at Cronulla on January 16 and 17.
Contest director Zane Holmes said it was important the series went to a variety of locations to showcase the sport.
"These are some of the fittest athletes on the planet, all possessing incredible surf skills," Holmes told the Leader.
"These venues give us the opportunity to witness intense racing in demanding surf conditions at spectator-friendly locations.
"We want to inspire young Australians to experience the excitement of these unstoppable lifesavers competing at the most elite level."
Jeci David, Nutri-Grain's senior brand manager, said he was thrilled with the partnership between Kellogg's and the Nutri-Grain Ironman Series.
"We are so proud of the association we have with these amazing athletes and we look forward to a sensational season of racing," he said.
The 2015-16 Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series, January 16-17, 2016 at North Cronulla Beach.
