It likely comes down to geographical reasons. With SA being the same time zone as central Europe (and a much shorter distance to travel), the choice for many European professionals was likely an easy one. Given the travel time and expense of getting to Australia, it's no surprise that there were relatively few non-Australian professionals in Melbourne. With the upcoming North American & Latin American Championship races, the lack of athletes from North & South America in both races was also predictable.

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VALÄ’RE | YouTube

Cost probably. The SA race is very affordable!
Sam

I think both IM Melbourne and SA offer the same price money and points......

My guess is distance, for Europeans it is only a 8-9 hour flight away to SA and its cheaper as well. Melbourne is close to 21 hours +.
Having seen the competitive field, some pros might be tempted to do IM Melbourne instead next year? Who knows, better chance of a pay cheque + more Kona points. One can also stay in Oz to train (instead of the winter) and do the local races and earn some money + points as well

After a little more research you are correct on the points and money.

So your whole theory seems plausible

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This is the exact reason, plus there are some additional factors such as the fact that in general the Australian and New Zealand peeps tend to be much better swimmers while the Europeans are more bike heavy. This sets up the race differently where the swim is less of a factor with a heavier emphasis on bike/run. And then what Nick echo's as well. I'm a little surprised however that we didn't see more names on both lists.

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IOW, you're saying that, b/c the Aussies and NZ-ers are generally better swimmers, the Aussie and NZ races have a diff dynamic where the swim is more important than in the Euro races, right??? Or are you saying the reverse???

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"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."

Correct.

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Interesting insight, thks!!! Maybe I'll plan my next iron race for AUS or NZ:)

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"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."