South Island triathlon series confirmed
In further confirmation of the renewed growth of the sport of Triathlon, a six race South Island Club Series was confirmed today, with the full support of Triathlon NZ.
South Island club and Event Directors have been working for some time on a series exclusive to the South Island to meet growing demand from athletes for a coordinated series of quality events.
The six events confirmed for the inaugural series are:
Hokonui Triathlon and Multisport Event
December 9th 2007
Lake Hayes Triathlon (Arrowtown)
December 27th 2007
Timaru Triathlon (round four of the Contact Energy My Sport Series)
January 27th 2008
Canterbury Classic Olympic Distance (Corsair Bay)
February 17th 2008
Dunedin Triathlon
March 16th 2008
Michael Huntley Memorial Race (Blenheim)
March 22nd 2008
The series will offer points for each race using the surf lifesaving model with the first six place getters in each category being awarded points (6, 5, ….1). There will be six age or gender categories of racing with Junior (U19), Open and Masters (+40) racing for points and prizes.
Athletes will however be racing for their clubs first and foremost with points earned going towards club trophies at the end of the series. This is a further support for the club structure in the sport as Tri NZ and the clubs themselves look to offer increased value to their members.
Series spokesperson Adair Craik explained the need for the series.
“Triathlon is undergoing something of a resurgence in interest, sparked largely by our success on the international stage but also by a desire to improve the overall health and fitness of New Zealanders.
We are seeing both younger athletes come into the sport but also a return of an older generation who competed in the 80’s and 90’s and are now looking to return to the sport on a more social level.
Triathlon in the South is crying out for a coordinated series that encourage mass participation and reward individuals and clubs over a ‘season’ of racing rather than an ad hoc approach to the calendar.
We have responded to this demand by linking six well established and recognized events in the one series. Triathlon NZ has been supportive of this process in another sign that the sport is taking a ‘collective’ approach that will end up benefiting all who participate.”
Triathlon CEO Dave Beeche echoed Craik’s sentiments.
“Tri NZ has been kept well informed of plans by the South Island clubs to form a South Island Series and it is something we are totally supportive of. The series will complement our Contact Energy My Sport series and indeed shares one of the events (Timaru).
“The more coordinated the calendar can be with the inclusion of private promoters, club events and our own nationally driven races the better, allowing for consistency in race quality and easier planning for athletes of all abilities when they plan out their year of racing.”
The series will combine the expertise of the local event promoters and clubs with the technical and event management support of Tri NZ, delivering a consistent event of high quality to the competitors.
Beeche says this is a key outcome for the national body.
“We are focused on becoming an inclusive sport with high standards of event management and technical expertise. The key to growing the sport and maintaining our membership is to provide a quality race experience that they will return for year after year. Our close liaison with events such as the South Island Triathlon Series will ensure we achieve that over time.”
The full calendar of events for the inaugural South Island Triathlon Series is:
Race one
December 9th 2007: Hokonui Triathlon & Multisport Event
www.southlandtriclub.co.nz
Contact: Ginge Burnett info@southlandtriclub.co.nz
Phone: Ginge 0276424333 or Richard 0272229469
Distances: Swim 1.5km, Cycle 40km, Run 10km
Shorter distance and Kayak option also available
Start: Registrations from 12am Start 1pm
Race Two
December 27th 2007: ‘83 Lake Hayes Triathlon (Arrowtown)
www.iconicadventures.co.nz
Contact: Tracey or Kathryn info@iconicadventures.co.nz
Phone: 03-441-1025
Distances: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5 km run
Race Three
January 27th 2008: Timaru Triathlon
www.timarutriathlon.co.nz
Contact: Juliet-gary@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 03 6861763
Distances Contact Energy Cup 1500m swim (or kayak 4km), 40km cycle, 10km run. Duathlon Option 2km run, 40km cycle, 10km run
Tri My Sport (short course) 200m swim, 11.5km cycle, 3.3km run
Venue: Caroline Bay Timaru
Race Four
February 17th 2008: Canterbury Classic Olympic Distance
http://www.canterburytriclub.co.nz
Contact: cantytriclub@yahoo.co.nz
Phone: 03 – 981 7508
Distances: Olympic distance Swim 1500m Bike 40km Run 10km (there will also be a sprint option but not for the series points)
Venue: Corsair Bay, Christchurch
Race Five
March 16th 2008: Dunedin
www.dunedintriclub.co.nz
Contact: chapmanst@paradise.net.nz or ian.paulin@police.govt.nz
Phone: 03) 4667770 or cell 027 2265 225
Distances: Swim 750m Bike 20km Run 5km
Race Six
March 22nd 2008: Michael Huntley Memorial Race: Blenheim
www.marlboroughmultisport.co.nz
Contact: deruiter@actrix.co.nz (Rene de Ruiter)
Phone: 03-570-05900
Distance: Swim 1500m, Bike 40km, Run 10km
For further information contact:
Adair Craik
South Island Triathlon Series Spokesperson
021-309-439