NZ Athletes Hungry For More World Cup Success

10th August, for immediate release

NZ Athletes Hungry For More World Cup Success

The ITU BG Triathlon World Cup moves to Tiszaujvaros, Hungary this weekend and with it a large contingent of New Zealanders looking to add to the already burgeoning list of World Cup podiums in 2007, not to mention the US$100,000 prize money up for grabs.

A strong team of 10 athletes will wear the silver fern this weekend, including Kris Gemmell, Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner and Nicky Samuels, all of whom have contributed to the impressive 11 podiums for New Zealand so far this season. That tally is second only to near neighbours Australia (12), adding further incentive for good performances this Sunday evening New Zealand time.

Current New Zealand number one Warriner is in good spirits and using the two week period of the Salford (where she finished second) and Hungary World Cup races as a dress rehearsal for bigger races to come.

"I'm feeling good but have found it a challenging two weeks in terms of training. It's been difficult balancing recovery and training. I knew I had to rest after Salford but at the same time I've been eager to get back to work with Hamburg and Beijing in mind. These two weeks which finish this Saturday have been all about simulating the two weeks between Worlds and Beijing in order to learn how my body responds for the actual event."

Given recent events and the season overall, the Whangarei athlete is in a great state of mind, something that usually signals a warning to her rivals.

"Lots of the other athletes’ coaches say they worry about me most when I'm happy, and I couldn't be happier at the moment, I'm racing well, have just had a birthday, and got engaged to my partner 4 weeks ago, a win would cap off what's been a great month for me".

Debbie Tanner is like Warriner keen to race, with an eye on Hamburg and Beijing.

“I have been training at the New Zealand base (in France) which has been fantastic and a good opportunity to recover from Salford World Cup. I know it is a little repetitive to keep saying this but yes, I am using this race as a stepping stone towards Beijing and Olympic qualification. It’s a great opportunity to race again, I tend to feed off racing so am hoping to step up again and show improvement from Salford.”

28th ranked Nicky Samuels is coming down from altitude training but has little expectation given her decision to race was only made at the last minute.

“I was preparing to go to a club race but circumstances changed and I needed a race so last minute changes of train tickets to plane tickets have kept me busy for a couple of days. After my first ever podium in Kitzbuhel I have no expectation this weekend other than a hard, competitive race.”

At the other end of the scale, Hungary marks the very first BG World Cup race for
Northland’s Kelly Bruce, a member of the NZ U23 team for the upcoming World Championships.

“I am focused on a good race at the World Champs and will use this as good hard preparation for that event. This will be a new experience and one I am a little nervous about but you've got to start somewhere. Training at the base has gone well so I am looking forward to a good race.”

In the men’s race Kiwi number six Ben Pulham is like Samuels and Gemmell returning from altitude for the event after working on his swimming.

“My aim is a strong race and gain vital ITU points. I have been working on my swim at altitude and have actually changed my stroke which I hope will be more efficient and get me out closer to the leaders. This is only the second time I have raced off altitude so I am not quite sure how it will go but I’m feeling good and am anticipating a good result.”

Like Kelly Bruce, Tony Dodds is focusing on Hamburg where he will race in the U23 division and is using Hamburg more for experience and vital racing miles.

“My aim for Hungary is simple, I needed a hard race before World Champs and wanted it this weekend, so put myself on the wait list. The goal is to come out in first bunch in the swim then stick with the main group on the bike then not to blow up on the run! I’ve been at altitude training for the last two weeks in Font Remoux so will see how that affects my race. I’m not 100% ready for worlds but another couple weeks will be different story.”

Liam Scopes is looking for an improved World Cup performance after earlier races this year didn’t go to plan.

“My first two World Cups didn't go as planned this season, so I am looking to Hungary to get things back on track. I believe that a top 20 placing is definitely possible. I have been training well, and as long as I can get myself into the main bunch, then I will be able to push through on the run.”

ITU World Cup R11, Tiszaujvaros Hungary

Elite Men
Name City ITU Rank NZ Rank
Kris Gemmell Palmerston Nth 4 2
Ben Pulham Auckland 89 6
Tony Dodds Wanaka 223 15
Blair Jordan Auckland 183 12
Liam Scopes Auckland 182 ` 11

Elite Women
Name City ITU Rank NZ Rank
Sam Warriner Whangarei 3 1
Debbie Tanner Auckland 5 3
Nicky Samuels Whangarei 28 4
Kelly Bruce Maungaturoto 216 9

Elite Women Start
11.15pm Saturday 11th August NZT

Elite Men Start
2am Sunday 12th August NZT

For live race coverage and results visit www.triathlon.org

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