Continental Cup confirmed to headline Port Taranaki World Tri Festival

Triathlon New Zealand has today confirmed the return of the Port Taranaki World Tri Festival for April next year, with a line up of events and activities to cater for every prospective triathlete regardless of age or ability.

 

Headlining the three day festival will be the ITU Continental Cup race for elite athletes with a strong international field expected, spearheaded by a powerful New Zealand contingent.

 

Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche is delighted with the outcome of recent hard work alongside the event partners and the local council.

 

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of much hard work and planning by all people involved. Securing an ITU Continental Cup race ensures the event has international credibility to go with a strong focus on participation and community inclusion.

 

“From the Weet Bix Tryathlon on the Friday to the elite athletes on the Sunday, this will be a celebration of the sport and everyone’s ability to take part at some level, be it socially or seriously.”

 

Tri NZ will run a number of events targeting participation with the 1500m ocean swim, 5km Noel Yarrow Memorial Fun Run/Walk and the age group triathlon all realistic targets for Kiwis of all ages and sporting abilities.

 

The popular 3km Elite Road Race will return to the CBD, with the men and women competing in a handicap race for ‘first across the line’ glory and prize money.

 

Beeche says the support of major partners has been critical to the return of the Festival.

 

“It is thanks to the New Plymouth District Council led by Mayor Peter Tennent, the team at Venture Taranaki and of course Port Taranaki and local charitable trusts that we are able to proceed.

 

“We want to build a long term event here in New Plymouth, one that will become iconic to the region and for the sport, attracting people from all around New Zealand and overseas to compete and enjoy the region.”

 

Port of Taranaki CEO Roy Weaver is delighted at the news.

 

“Tri NZ has been successful in retaining an international component to the festival in trying economic conditions. It is a formula that organisations all around the world can take note of in these times of reduced availability of sponsorship for sporting events. Port Taranaki is delighted to sponsor the triathlon festival weekend again in 2009 and beyond “.

 

New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennent never doubted the event would be confirmed.

 

“I have always had complete faith in the people of Taranaki and Tri NZ that we would find a way to not only make this event happen in 2009 but continue to grow it into a nationally recognized sporting festival in the long term.

 

“We are an event based region and one that loves its sport. We look forward once again to hosting athletes, families, supporters and participants of all backgrounds in all events in April next year. People can be assured of a great time in a great three days of activity and events.”

 

Port of Taranaki World Triathlon Festival

Friday 3rd April to Sunday 5th April

Weetbix Tryathlon
Noel Yarrow Memorial 5km Fun Run/Walk
3km Elite Road Race
1500m Ocean Swim
Age Group Triathlon (including qualification for World Championships)
Elite ITU Continental Cup Triathlon

Further information will be posted to www.triathlon.org.nz as it comes to hand, including entry and event details.