Triathletes in Top Form Ahead of World Cup Race

MEDIA RELEASE
30 October 2006
For immediate release

New Zealand Triathletes in Top Form Ahead of New Plymouth World Cup Race

New Zealand triathletes Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell are proving to be in top form in the lead up to the biggest event on New Zealand’s triathlon calendar - the BG Triathlon World Cup race in New Plymouth on 12 November.

Both athletes have put in a top performance at the Noosa Triathlon yesterday [29 October]. Docherty finished second in the men’s elite race with a time of 1:47:46, while Gemmell finished third with a time of 1:50:19.

Docherty’s Coach, Mark Elliott, said it was great to see him put in such a strong finish ahead of the New Plymouth event.

“Last year, he took out the World Cup race in New Plymouth with a time of 01:54:29. Gemmell finished second in that same race just two seconds behind Docherty.”

Elliot said Docherty had arrived in Australia just two days prior to the Noosa Triathlon where he had been involved in a light training schedule in the lead-up to the event.

“He said he felt strong during the run leg which bodes particularly well for another good performance at New Plymouth.”

Gemmell’s Coach, John Hellemans, said the triathlete is now back in New Zealand and freshening up for the upcoming New Plymouth World Cup race with some light training.

“Gemmell has had a long year of competitions including a first place finish at the Corner Brook World Cup race on 23 July and a number of other great performances,” he said.

“His third place finish at Noosa, which was very much a lead-up race to New Plymouth, indicates that he’s still in great form.

“The New Plymouth race often features typical New Zealand weather conditions with winds and light rain which seems to suit Gemmell and the other New Zealand athletes.

“This combined with his excellent form and the dedicated support of the New Zealand public will stand Gemmell in good stead for the event.”

Triathlon New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Dave Beeche, said the New Plymouth BG Triathlon World Cup race will be the closing event in the World Triathlon Festival which runs from 10-12 November.

“The World Triathlon Festival will offer something for everyone, from young children through to high performance athletes,” Dave said.

“The festival will get underway on Friday 10 November with a Weet-Bix Tryathlon for 8-14 year olds.

“Saturday will mark the start of the first race in the Triathlon New Zealand National Series. Kickstarting that event will be the MySport participation race for any New Zealander over the age of 13 years, with both individual and team entries.

“This will be followed by the Contact Energy New Zealand Cup race for medium to advanced level athletes over the age of 18 years.”

Sixteen of the country’s top triathletes are confirmed to compete in the BG Triathlon World Cup race on Sunday 12 November including Bevan Docherty, Clark Ellice, James Elvery, Kris Gemmell, Blair Jordan, Ben Pulham, Shane Reed, Liam Scopes, and Sam Walker.

Competing in the elite women’s race will be New Zealanders Kelly Bruce, Anna Hamilton, Andrea Hewitt, Taryn McLeod, Nicky Samuels, Sam Warriner and Evelyn Williamson.

“This will be the second year New Plymouth has hosted a BG Triathlon World Cup race, and our elite athletes are looking forward to the opportunity to compete at an international level on home turf.”

For more information on the World Triathlon Festival visit www.worldtriathlonfestival.com or www.triathlon.org.nz

Full results of the Noosa Triathlon are available at http://www.usmevents.com.au/series/NTMSF/results.cfm

ENDS

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