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Takapuna offers unique triathlon experience

Wednesday 21 November 2007, 4:43PM

By Triathlon NZ

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NORTH SHORE CITY

Triathletes eager for a unique experience are coming out of the woodwork in numbers to compete at round two of the Contact Energy My Sport Series in Takapuna on December 2nd.

For a number of reasons the Triathlon New Zealand organized event is attracting interest from up and down the country, as well as great support from the local North Harbour Tri Club and greater Auckland region.

For one thing the racing takes place in the afternoon and early evening. Age group racing begins at the respectable hour of 2pm with wave starts ensuring all athletes have an uncluttered race course on which to do their best.

Secondly the course will be completely closed to traffic and offer a unique criterium style bike leg. Not only does this afford the athletes the comfort of knowing they will not meet traffic at any point on course but it will make for exciting and technical racing on the ten lap bike course.

Tri NZ Community Development Officer Richard Sceats is coordinating the event with local officials and says the expectation is high for a unique triathlon experience.

“The support we have had from the North Shore City Council has been tremendous; it is with their blessing and assistance that we can offer a completely closed bike course, a rarity in any sporting event these days.

“The retailers and restaurants too have been great in embracing a new and exciting concept in triathlon. To close the main streets down and literally have the finish line in front of Takapuna’s famed café district will be a huge buzz for competitors and spectators alike. This will be a wonderful celebration of our sport but also the vibrant Takapuna city centre”

The afternoon and early evening race schedule is also new to the sport, with events traditionally underway early in the morning. Sceats says the new time zone will make for a more spectator friendly and relaxed environment.

“It gives the sun more chance to shine and will allow family and friends the luxury of a nice meal or coffee at a nearby café or a picnic on the reserve or beach. All of which they can do without losing sight of family or friends as they race. Indeed I’m sure a few of the competitors will be eyeing up the menus for a post race recovery meal!”

That opportunity will be even better at the Belgian Beer Café on Hurstmere Road, the official ‘ASICS Recovery Zone’ for competitors. Ironman champion Jo Lawn will be amongst a group of elite triathletes on hand in ‘The Zone’ to answer any questions from competitors and offer tips on future racing and training.

Race distances are incredibly ‘user friendly’ as the sport looks to encourage back old participants or introduce new ones to Triathlon. The swim leg off Takapuna Beach is a comfortable 500m before a quick 16km over easy terrain on the bike and a quiet 4.65km jog through the Takapuna CBD and beach front reserve to the finish on Hurstmere Road in front of the Belgian Beer Cafe.

Detours will be in place from mid Sunday morning and will be clearly signposted, as will car parking in and around the event. Race maps and course directions are available on line at www.triathlon.org.nz  

The race is also draft legal, allowing all competitors to enjoy a unique pack bike ride around the streets of Takapuna. This does however rule out aero bars with bikes having to meet ITU draft legal rules. These are explained again on the website.


Contact Energy my sport Series

Race Two: Takapuna

Date: Sunday 2nd December 2007
Location: The Strand, Takapuna, North Shore City
Races:
Contact Energy Cup Triathlon Age Group Event (Individual Races 1 -4)
500m Swim (1 lap) / 16km Cycle (10 laps) / 4.65km Run (2 ½ laps)

Contact Energy Cup Triathlon Elite Event (Individual Race 5 & 6)
500m Swim (2 laps) / 16km Cycle (10 laps) / 4.65km Run (2 ½ laps)

For further information visit www.triathlon.org.nz