World Duathlon Champion and Sam Warriner late entries for Takapuna

An already world class women’s field for Sunday’s Contact Tri Series at Takapuna just got a whole lot better today with confirmation that Sam Warriner (Whangarei) and Vendula Frintova (Czech Republic) will both race.

With Andrea Hewitt, Debbie Tanner, Kate McIlroy, Kate Roberts (South Africa), Vicky Holland (Great Britain) and Zita Zsabo (Hungary) amongst the starters, this will be the strongest women’s field assembled for some years in a race here in New Zealand and will make for spectacular viewing on Sunday afternoon.

Warriner’s entry comes after the 2008 world number one overcame the effects of a virus earlier this week, giving her the confidence to put her name forward.

“I have been struggling a little earlier in the week and it was really only in the past 48 hours that I have felt anything like my best. The race should be awesome with the big crowds, tight circuit and the great competition with the likes of Andrea and Debbie racing too.”

The big surprise though was the email from the current World Duathlon Champion and world number 23 ranked triathlete Frintova requesting a start - adding yet more international flavour to the race.

Auckland’s Tanner has been training well after an up and down 2009, something not unexpected post Olympic Games. The 27 year old is however full of confidence after overcoming some injury concerns that held her back last year.

“Since October I have worked really hard with my Physio (Jordon Salesa) and muscle therapist (George Duncan) to get some previous injuries with my calves sorted. While this has been very successful, it is a bit of a process but one we have purposely taken our time with to get it right.

“I love the idea behind this race, it is super exciting and thrilling for spectators to watch, for the athletes it also is a big adrenalin buzz and I personally love this type of racing. It is however my first race of the season, I am really looking just to see where I am at with my training. But I am really excited about racing in 2010. I want to start the season on a high so am hoping for a good hit out!”

Andrea Hewitt will go in as favourite though after her consistency earned her the bronze medal in last years ITU World Champ Series.

“I have averaged 30 hours of training a week this past month but have taken a rest week this week to be ready for Sunday but also to prepare for my next block of training which starts on Monday at the Snow Farm (at altitude) in Wanaka.”

“I am just looking forward to that feeling of racing again; it has been a while since my last race back in October so Sunday should be fun.”

The rising star of world triathlon in 2009 was undoubtedly Kate McIlroy, the Wellingtonian emerged from her first season in the sport ranked at 20 in the world.

“I have had a solid block of training since mid November through till now. The main focus has been to build a solid base for the upcoming year of racing, by getting the volume in all 3 disciplines.

“I have survived the last block with no injuries, which for me is amazing! I have been able to train pretty consistently over the last few months. I am also coping with the volume of training much better now than I did this time last year, considering I had only been in the sport a few months then!

“I think the course is great, it really involves the spectators by being so close to the action, which creates a great atmosphere to race in.”

The women’s race begins at 3.55pm and will be covered live on TV One.

The men’s race will feature more world class action with Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell, Laurent Vidal (France) and a host of young New Zealanders looking to claim a big scalp dueling on the same Takapuna course from 4.55pm on Sunday.

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Course Maps and race information, click here

Contact Tri Series
Takapuna
Sunday 21st February
Start Times:
Event 1 (Contact 3:9:3 Women) 7:30am
Event 2 (Contact 3:9:3 Men) 8:40am
Event 3 (Contact 3:9:3 Women) 9:45am
Event 4 (Contact 3:9:3 Men) 10:55am
Event 5 (Contact Trophy Men U20 & 40+) 12:00pm
Event 6 (Contact Trophy Women) 1:00pm
Event 7 (Contact Trophy Men 20-39) 2:20pm
*Event 8 (Contact Cup/U23/U19 Women) 3.55pm
*Event 9 (Contact Cup/u23/U19 Men) 4.55pm