One weekend, two must-see sporting events

Make a weekend out of it – two adrenaline-filled sporting events are taking place in Canterbury during the same weekend this January: the 2013 Calder Stewart Elite Road National Championships (Friday 11 – Sunday 13 January) and the Contact Tri Series (Sunday 13 January).

Christchurch City Council Unit Manager John Filsell says the 2013 Calder Stewart Elite Road National Championships is the biggest event on the New Zealand cycling calendar.

"This is the perfect chance to get out and see New Zealand’s top road cyclists in action, from Olympic medallists to Tour de France riders.”

In a first, all seven of New Zealand’s World Tour professional cyclists will take to the road to compete, including Julian Dean, George Bennett, Jesse Sergent, Sam Bewley, Greg Henderson, Hayden Roulston and Jack Bauer.

“We’re encouraging spectators to make a weekend out of it: that Sunday, the Contact Tri Series is coming to Pegasus. It’s exciting, energising and fun, and if you’re not content with just watching, it’s certainly something that any person of any age and sports ability can enter.

“Watching or partaking in both events is absolutely do-able. I recommend watching the Elite Women battle it out on Saturday then heading to the Tri to watch or compete on Sunday. Just be sure to get back in time to catch the end of the Men’s Elite Race to see who crosses the finish line on Sunday afternoon,” Mr Filsell says.

Whether looking to take part in a tri for the first time or a die-hard fan of sport, this is a triathlon set against a beautiful backdrop, with the course taking in the clear lake, smooth roads and scenic lake paths offered by Pegasus.

The 3:9:3 race (300m swim, 9k bike, 3k run) is the "give it a go" distance, designed for first timers. For something a little more challenging, there’s the sprint distance (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run). For kids, the 1:2:1 race (100m swim, 2k bike, 1k run) gives them the option of racing individually or as a team.

There’s still plenty of time to sign up to compete in either of these events: please visit www.elitenationals.co.nz and www.triseries.co.nz

Elite Road National Championships
Friday 11 - Sunday 13 January
Friday time trail, Lincoln University, 10am
2013 Tineli Grand Prix Presented by Mainland Foundation Recreational Ride starts at 9.30am Saturday from noon – Elite Women and Sunday from 10am Elite Men, Centennial Park/Cashmere Hills

Contact Tri Series
Sunday 13 January
8am, Pegasus
Entry fee from $20