Know before you go - AdventureSmart

This summer will see the introduction of a brand new event on the Christchurch sports event calendar. The inaugural “House of Travel Triathlon Festival” will be held at the new Pegasus Township just outside Christchurch on Sunday 19th December 2010.

The one day festival aims to cater for all abilities, from the first time athlete to the elite triathlete and all set in the safe surroundings of the Pegasus Township.

The festival is the brainchild of Christchurch-based triathlon coach John Newsom. John says, “For a long time I've wanted to see a high profile race in Christchurch. When I visited the Pegasus development with some athletes I coach I quickly realised the venue was perfect for triathlon.”

The festival offers FIVE races catering for different abilities and also the opportunity for those not racing to watch some of the country’s best triathletes close up as they compete in the Elite Cup race. The festival includes: “The UVEX Pegasus Classic” for your everyday triathlete. “The Fendalton Eye Clinic Team Challenge” – ideal for Corporate teams and friends alike to get together for a pre Christmas hit out. “The John Bull Cycles Kids Challenge” – for those under 14 years. “The Newstalk ZB Try a Tri” – perfectly pitched to the first timer. And the final event of the festival will be the “Sports Doctors Elite Cup” – a high action draft legal race.

Steve Marshall of the Barrington “House of Travel” branch says, “House of Travel is delighted to have the opportunity to be associated with this exciting new triathlon festival”. He says, “Triathlon is experiencing amazing growth in New Zealand and this new festival is a great way to support all triathletes from first timers to those at the elite level”.

More information and entry details for the “House of Travel Triathlon Festival” can be found at www.triathlonfestival.co.nz.