Docherty confirms head to head clash with Armstrong

New Zealand’s top triathlete Bevan Docherty has confirmed his entry at the Blue Lake Multisport Festival in Rotorua in January, setting up a mouth watering once in a lifetime clash with seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in the event.

Docherty, who won silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics and then bronze at Beijing in 2008, is a former winner of the coveted King of the Lake title at the Blue Lake Multisport Festival but returns for a cross code clash of international superstars rarely witnessed anywhere in the world, let alone Rotorua.

Joining Docherty and Armstrong in the sprint triathlon for the event’s 25th anniversary will be Ironman athletes Kieran Doe and Bryan Rhodes. Doe is fresh of a second place finish at the Tinman in Mt Maunganui. Rhodes is a former Ironman winner in Malaysia, UK and Canada.

The festival, held over the weekend of January 29 and 30, will be Armstrong’s first foray back into the sport of triathlon following his professional cycling career.

RATS spokeswoman Charlotte Pearson is understandably thrilled to have Docherty, Doe and Rhodes added to the start sheet.

"It means a lot for us to have Bevan, Kieran and Bryan back competing. These are athletes who have both previously made their mark on the event, and it’s great recognition of the festival as it celebrates the 25th anniversary," she says.

"This is a unique event on the national triathlon calendar, making the very most of the stunning natural environment that Rotorua has to offer.

"It was developed and is still run by local volunteers with a love for the sport and a desire to provide achievable events for the local community. We are delighted to have this level of interest in our event."

Pearson says there are still other top triathletes in the pipeline for the event, and she hopes to confirm those details in coming weeks.

The Blue Lake Multisport Festival consists of four key events – a sprint triathlon, an aquathlon, a 2km swim and a fun run. The events have been designed for triathletes of every level and ability.


Due to unprecedented demand, entries for the sprint triathlon are now closed but entries are still open for other events.


Visit http://www.rats.org.nz/blmf-2011/ for event information and entries.