The fifth Challenge Wanaka is set to break all records with the biggest ever field, the largest men’s pro field, the largest expo and the largest performance bonus.
The tough iron distance triathlon has grown into one of the most significant sporting events of the New Zealand summer, attracting a record field of over 1,200 athletes from 27 nations and acting as a draw card for several thousand spectators.
The field includes a number of high profile international professional athletes, including the event's largest ever men's pro field of 14 that includes Challenge Barcelona winner, Jimmy Johnsen (DEN), previous Challenge Wanaka winners, Luke Dragstra (CAN) and Marc Pschebizin (GER) as well as Australian Courtney Ogden who took out Ironman Western Australia in December.
All will have the Western Pacific Performance Bonus in their sights. The bonus has doubled from previous years and will now pay out NZ$10,000 to the first male athlete under 8:20 and the first female athlete under 9:15. The current course records are 8:34:41 and 9:28:27 respectively.
One name missing from the start line is 2010 women's champion, Gina Crawford, who this week announced she is pregnant with her first child, due in early July. Joanna Carritt from the UK is the top women's contender following a third at Ironman UK.
"I am obviously upset that I will not be on the start line of my favourite event this year; an event I have looked forward to competing in all year," said Ms Crawford. "However, my husband and I are overjoyed to be expecting a new addition to our family and I am greatly looking forward to this next chapter of my life. I hope to be back competing in Wanaka if not in 2012 then in 2013."
Men's 2010 champion, Richard Ussher, will not defend his title due to multisport commitments but will cycle in the 'dream team' Team Tri Stars which also features Youth Olympic triathlon gold medallist, Aaron Barclay and New Zealand marathon champion, Shireen Crumpton.
The team's section also features another legendary Kiwi triathlete. Bryan Rhodes will go head to head with Team Tri Stars as he and his swimming teammate Kristen Baker defend their Mixed Teams title, promising a fast and exciting race.
The growth of Challenge Wanaka is also shown in the size of the onsite expo with the number of sporting brands and retailers exhibiting doubling from previous years to 16 providing a comprehensive expo for both athletes and the general public.
"Challenge Wanaka has become a must-do event on the international triathlon circuit and this is evident with the ever-increasing international field, drawn by the spectacular scenery and tough honest course," said race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "The event has grown by 600% since the inaugural event in 2007 which is no mean feat in just five years, just one of the many things we will be celebrating at this fifth anniversary edition of Challenge Wanaka."
Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival is the largest in New Zealand with over 2,000 athletes of all ages and abilities taking part during the week-long celebration of sport. The action starts on Sunday 9 January with the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka for children aged 9-15 followed by the Radio Wanaka Charity Fun Run/Walk on Monday evening at 6.30pm. All proceeds will go to the Challenge Wanaka charity, the Upper Clutha Children's Medical Trust. The Contact Tri Series comes to town on Friday 14 January featuring some of the country's top sprint triathletes and then all eyes are on the flagship Challenge Wanaka event on Saturday 15 January, together with the Lake Wanaka Half, starting at 6.30am.
Challenge Wanaka is part of the global Challenge Family series that features 12 events worldwide in Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Austria, UK and Australia as well as New Zealand. For further information visit www.challenge-wanaka.com.
