Triathlon family heads to holiday hot spot

While most Kiwis will be enjoying BBQ’s, beers and lazy days at the beach, others will be shedding a few Christmas kilos by competing in the Contact Tri Series at Whangamata on January 4th.

 

The popular Corromandel holiday spot will play host to a mix of Triathlon’s elite and the everyday Kiwi, some of whom will be taking on a triathlon for the first time in the Contact 3:9:3 or the Contact 1:2:1 for children.

 

Amongst those confirmed in the men’s Contact Trophy race is Ironman legend Cameron Brown, rising young star Dylan McNeice and defending series champion Stephen Sheldrake as he continues his recovery from winter knee surgery.

 

Brown will once again step out from the back door of the family holiday home to take part in one of his favourite races as he continues his preparation for Ironman NZ in March.

 

In the women’s race the headline act will be world number 33 Nicky Samuels as she too looks to continue her recovery from a pelvis injury and start 2009 in good form as the Whangarei triathlete looks to put a frustrating 2008 behind her. The main opposition for Samuels may well come from young rising star Rebecca Kingsford.

 

The event is the second in the summer Contact Tri Series and will cater for all shapes sizes and abilities.

 

“The Contact 3:9:3 offers all New Zealanders an opportunity to take part in our sport,” said Tri NZ Events Manager Richard Sceats.

 

“The first such race proved hugely popular in Rotorua and I’m sure will attract a few new and maybe a few old familiar faces to the sport. It is perfect for first time triathletes who don’t want to take on anything too demanding or for former triathletes returning to the sport with the swim short and close to shore, the bike flat and a very achievable 9km and the run just 3km of jogging, running or even walking if needs be.”

 

Tri NZ is also looking to encourage children into the sport and to bridge the gap from the hugely successful Weet Bix Tryathlon to the Contact Tri Series with the Contact 1:2:1 for children aged 8 to 12 (100m swim, 2km bike, 1km run).

 

Amongst some of the more interesting entries across all races on the day already are:

 

Garth and Judy Barfoot

These 70+ triathletes are regulars at events throughout New Zealand, including Ironman.

 

Gordon McCauley

The NZ cycling legend will take part as a member of a team on the day.

 

All entries are automatically in the draw to win the major spot prize of a Suzuki Swift valued at over $20,000. Plus all entrants are also automatically made members of Tri NZ and will receive further updates, information, advice and discounts related to the sport of Triathlon

 

Contact Tri Series

Whangamata

January 4th

Including:

Contact Trophy

Contact 3:9:3

Teams racing

Contact 1:2:1 for children

 

For all further details and event information, visit www.triathlon.org.nz