Kiwis to Compete in International Triathlon

MEDIA RELEASE
28 July 2006

Kiwis to Compete in International Triathlon

Twelve of New Zealand’s top triathletes will compete in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Salford World Cup race in the United Kingdom this weekend.

The New Zealand Team will include 2006 Commonwealth Games team members Samantha Warriner, Debbie Tanner, and Andrea Hewitt and Commonwealth Games reserves Nicky Samuels, Evelyn Williamson, and Terenzo Bozzone.

They will compete this Sunday against more than 120 international triathletes in both the elite men’s and women’s events at Salford in North West England. Also competing are up and emerging talents Clark Ellice, Jenny Cooper, Ben Pulham, Sam Mallard, Taryn McLeod, and Sam Walker.

Triathlon New Zealand High Performance Director, Stephen Farrell, said the Salford triathlon is a key event for New Zealand triathletes as it is the last New Zealand selection race for the 2006 Lausanne World Championships. It is also one of 15 ITU World Cup races held throughout the year in which athletes can earn points to gain entry to the World Championships.

“The last few spots for the World Champs on 2 and 3 September are still up for grabs and a good result will secure a spot,” said Farrell.

Samantha Warriner was second at Salford last year after missing the split in the pack after the swim. She hopes to go one better and stand on top of the podium this year.

Stephen Farrell said there is a change in the Salford course for this year.

“The race starts with a two lap swim in an enclosed dock. Athletes will enter the dock with a dive start from a pontoon,” Stephen said.

“This is followed by a very technical flat and fast cycle leg featuring 11 sweeping turns, which will make for an exciting competition. Athletes then finish the race with a very flat four lap run course.”

Farrell said that New Zealand’s triathletes have had some great successes at World Cup races lately with Kris Gemmell winning the Corner Brook World Cup race on Sunday 23 July, Hamish Carter winning Edmonton on 9 July and Samantha Warriner finishing third in the same event.

“Overall, we have had seven triathletes finish in the top three spots in World Cup races this year, which is a great achievement,” said Farrell

“I look forward to seeing how they go at Salford this weekend.”

Live coverage of the Salford event will be available at www.triathlon.org

Photography will be available on the day at http://www.triathlon.org.nz/news.asp?id=10

ENDS

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