International season begins in Mooloolaba

A host of New Zealand triathletes will line up in Mooloolaba on Australia’s Sunshine Coast for the opening ITU World Cup of the season this weekend, some chasing ranking points and glory, others places at the Beijing World Championships in September.

Led by Nicky Samuels in the women’s race and Tony Dodds in the men’s, the elite Kiwis will be looking for vital world ranking points early in the season, points that can set them up for starts in World Cup and World Champ Series events later in the year but most importantly Olympic ranking points crucial to securing a start in London in August and subsequently the Olympics next year.

Dodds is chasing the points but knows he is up against a world class field.

“There is a buzz around the place coming into the biggest race so far this year and it’s the first chance to grab some Olympic ranking points, I’m looking forward to it. It’s very hot and humid here, I’m glad we came a bit earlier to get the body used to it.

“There’s some big guns here with the likes of Courtney (Atkinson) and Gomez (Javier) and Brad (Kahlefeldt), and if it’s anything like last year we are in for one hell of a hard day!

“Things have been going well though, just ticking through training and relaxing as the year is only just starting. Hopefully I can be in another breakaway, as every race I’ve done this season has come to that. Even though it's been tough running off hard bikes I feel it will pay off later in the year when I need it most.”

Triathlon NZ National Coach Greg Fraine is in Mooloolaba, keeping a watchful eye over the Kiwis, with the focus slightly different for each group of athletes.

“For the Elites it is a chance to secure valuable ITU points that will enable starts in World Champs Series and World Cup events. Additionally they will look to score Olympic ranking points so the goal of 3 women and 3 men gaining selection for NZ at the London Games in 2012 Triathlon is achieved.

“All the U23 athletes are here for selection for Beijing World Champs, in both women and men’s races here there is one more spot available. Rebecca and Ryan confirmed their selection in Wellington with their results in the Oceania champs.”

Indeed there is also a strong contingent of Kiwis in the ITU Continental Cup race for U23’s also being run this weekend, a race that doubles as the final selection race for the Beijing World Championships for the U23 team. Consequently competition will be fierce amongst the New Zealanders, with just Ryan Sissons and Rebecca Kingsford booking spots at this stage at the U23 Oceania Champs in Wellington two weeks ago.

ITU World Cup
Elite Men – 6pm Saturday NZT
Men
Tony Dodds Wanaka
Martin Van Barneveld Wellington
James Elvery Christchurch
Dylan McNeice Christchurch

Women – 3.45pm Sunday NZT
Nicky Samuels Wanaka
Rebecca Kingsford Tirau
Simone Ackerman Auckland

ITU Continental Cup U23
Men – 9.30am Sunday NZT
Edward Rawles New Plymouth
Sam Osborne Dunedin
Aaron Barclay Riversdale, Sthland
Michael Poole Auckland
Nick Berry Wanganui
Mike Phillips Christchurch
Harrison Dean Christchurch
Owen Miller Mount Maunganui

Women – 9.30am Sunday NZT
Penny Hayes Southland
Shea Reardon Taupo