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National Triathlon Series To Kick Off

MEDIA RELEASE
8 November 2006


National Series for New Zealand’s Fastest Growing Sport set to kick off

New Zealand’s only national series of events for the nation’s fastest growing sport – triathlon, is set to kick off this weekend in New Plymouth as part of the World Triathlon Festival.

Triathlon New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Dave Beeche, said the Contact Energy National Triathlon Series, which aims to increase participation in triathlons throughout the country, gives every New Zealander aged 13 years and over the opportunity to compete.

“The inaugural National Series, sponsored by Contact Energy, will give all New Zealanders the opportunity to take part in a triathlon regardless of their age, ability or location,” Dave said.

“Many triathlon events are targeted at specific age groups or are only run in the main centres whereas the National Series will span the length and breadth of New Zealand.”

The National Series is a nationwide series of nine events, which will be held over the summer months from November 2006 to March 2007.

Events will be held in Auckland, Rotorua, Kinloch, Whangamata, Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier, Nelson and Christchurch. The first triathlon to kick-start the series will take place at New Plymouth’s Ngamotu Beach on Saturday 11 November.

“Each venue will host two races - a Tri My Sport participation race and a Contact Energy New Zealand Cup race,” Garry said.

The Tri My Sport participation race caters to the first time competitor, and the Contact Energy New Zealand Cup race is a medium to advanced level competition open to anyone over the age of 18.

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Participants in this race will compete for prizes and also accumulate points, with the Contact Energy New Zealand Cup being awarded to the major point holder at the completion of the series.

New Plymouth mother of two Nicola Davies, who will compete in the Tri My Sport race this weekend, said it’s great to be able to take part in an event in her home town that isn’t targeted specifically toward the experienced triathlete.

While Nicola has competed in running events with Egmont Athletics for the past five years, the event will only be her second triathlon, having been inspired to enter after being a part of the team that won the half Ironman in Auckland last year.

“The half Ironman was a great experience - winning the prize money of $500 was a great thrill,” Nicola said.

“It was my first experience competing in a triathlon event – I really enjoyed it and from there started to think about entering the National Triathlon Series.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out there and giving it my all on the day.”

As well as the first ever National Series event, this weekend’s World Triathlon Festival also features a Weet-Bix Tryathlon on Friday 10 November, and the BG New Plymouth Triathlon World Cup race on Sunday 12 November.

For more information visit www.worldtriathlonfestival.com

To register for a National Series event in a town near you visit www.triathlon.org.nz

The National Series comprises nine events:
o New Plymouth 11 November 2006
o Auckland 10 December 2006
o Nelson 16 December 2006
o Christchurch 13 January 2007
o Rotorua 28 January 2007
o Kinloch 4 February 2007
o Whangamata 17 February 2007
o Napier 17 March 2007
o Wellington 31 March 2007

ends

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