In this video I’m previewing IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupō, which is the kickoff race for the 2026 IRONMAN Pro Series—and it’s the kind of race that can shape the whole season. I break down the course and then spend a lot of time on the big rule change everyone’s talking about: the new 20-meter drafting rule. That expanded draft zone changes how you position in the swim, how aggressive you can be (or can’t be) on the bike, and what kind of marathon pacing actually wins the day. I also walk through the men’s and women’s pro fields with a coach’s eye—who are the strongest swimmers, who are the power riders that can benefit from the bigger spacing, and who are the athletes most likely to run through people late. And because this is the Pro Series, I explain the points system and why seconds behind the winner matter more than most folks realize. I finish with my top-five predictions on both sides so you’ve got a clear, tactical lens before race day.