Fierce competition is anticipated at the Taupo Ironman race next month, with defending champions as well as the 2009 runners-up to take part.
Last year's winners, Cameron Brown and Gina Crawford, along with runners-up Terenzo Bozzone and Jo Lawn, today confirmed they will line up for the race on March 6.
While there is a more than useful support cast, the race between the world class quartet shapes as a battle of epic proportions.
Since his second placing behind Brown last year, Bozzone has gone on to finish in the top-10 in Ironman Germany and then 11th in Ironman world championships in Hawaii.
"Every time I get on the start line I want to win. And I would love to win. I think it is going to be really tough and very interesting," the 25-year-old said.
Brown said he knew he would need to be at his best next month.
"I've said before that I think with Terenzo it is a matter of when not if he will win Ironman New Zealand. That said, I'd prefer it if it was a couple more years down the road," Brown said.
"I know Taupo well. It is a really important race for me. With my family, friends and sponsors there, it is probably my most important race of the year, so I am going to be in the best possible shape if he wants to come and get me."
Last year Crawford ended the six successive Ironman New Zealand titles by Lawn with a victory she labelled the best of her career.
Crawford, recovered from injury that put the reins on her 2009 season, zoomed back to top form with the successful defence of her Ironman Western Australia title in December and Wanaka last month.
However, after a seventh placing in Hawaii despite two four-minute stand-down penalties, Lawn said she felt she was back at her best.
"I feel great, for the first time in years. I have energy and I am loving the training. And the numbers don't lie. The data from my bike shows I am stronger and more efficient," Lawn said.
"It is going to be a huge battle for sure. Gina is a great ironman athlete and a great competitor. The thing for me will not to be caught up in the one-on-one battle."
The men's field also includes 2007 Ironman Canada champion Kieran Doe, battling back from a loss of form last year, and James Bowstead, runner-up in last month's Port of Tauranga half ironman.
The women's field has plenty of athletes capable of upsetting, including Australian 2008 runner-up Kate Bevilaqua, and American Kim Loeffler, a three-time US Ironman champion who had two podium finishes last year. There will be interest in New Zealand time trial cycling champion Melissa Holt and some more than handy Australians, including Christie Sym and Sarah Pollett, second and third respectively at Ironman Western Australia, Ali Fitch and Great Britain's Joanna Carritt.
