Auckland to host Triathlon Nationals

Triathlon New Zealand has announced today that Auckland will host the 2014 Triathlon Standard Distance National Championships, while previous venue Wellington will retain Age Group World Championships qualification status.

The National Champs will form part of a fantastic weekend of racing at the Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Auckland event on April 5-6 next year, creating a festival of triathlon that will bring visitors to the city and a new look to the nationals.

Triathlon New Zealand President Garry Boon has raced many times in both cities and says Auckland will make for a wonderful venue.

“It is imperative that our National Championships are seen as the pinnacle event each summer and I have no doubt Auckland will deliver. The venue is stunning on the Auckland waterfront and the infrastructure is there from previous ITU events and of course the hosting of the hugely successful Age Group World Championships in 2012.
                                                                                                                 
“Wellington will continue to play an important role in our summer racing programme. But after 7 years of hosting the Nationals, it is timely to give Auckland a shot at hosting a National Championships and Wellington a new lease of life with some exciting announcements due in the next few weeks.”

Dave Beeche is CEO of Upsolut Oceania, the delivery partner for the weekend in Auckland. Beeche says his team will deliver a great event for Triathlon New Zealand and the participants.

“It’s going to be an amazing festival weekend of triathlon having New Zealand’s best Age Group triathletes race alongside the World’s best elite triathletes in the heart of Auckland City. It will be a great day out with Age Group athletes racing in the morning, and then being able to sit back, relax and watch the Elite race.”

Racing will take place on April 5-6 next year, with a range of events being offered to suit all capabilities, including those serious about their age group racing and wanting to qualify for the ITU Age Group World Championships later in 2014.

“Everyone can ‘Come Play in the City’ with the Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Auckland offering a range of events, with the emphasis on fun, so you don’t need to be super fit to take part,” said Beeche.

“Auckland will continue to deliver great athlete and spectator experiences, passionate crowds, engaging event HUB and tough challenging courses that will ensure everyone racing and supporting will have an amazing time.”

Triathlon New Zealand Events Manager Kate Melville says the popular Wellington event will maintain qualification status for the World Championships later in 2014.

“Wellington is a great event and will continue to play an important part in our summer calendar. There will be 5 qualification spots on the line in each age group in Wellington for the 2014 World Championships. It is also a month before Auckland so will be perfect as a final hit out over the standard distance for many competitors.

“We also have exciting plans for Wellington with announcements to be made in the coming weeks. The event will have a strong focus for the triathlon community with a new and exciting proposal currently being considered by the Tri NZ Board.”

Auckland has the contract to host the National Age Group Standard Distance Championships through until 2016, alongside its contract with the ITU to deliver a World Triathlon Series event over the same time period.

The New Zealand Elite National Standard Distance Championships will be competed for within the ITU World Triathlon Series races for men and women on the same weekend.

Entries will go live online for all events at the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Triathlon in the next few weeks. For details check www.auckland.triathlon.org