Takapuna hosts the latest round of the Contact Tri Series with a super sprint around the North Shore beachside suburb this Sunday afternoon, featuring a host of world class New Zealand and international triathletes.
The elite athletes in the Contact Cup races will feature Ryan Sissons (world number 18), Kate McIlroy (world number 17), Debbie Tanner (10th at the Beijing Olympics), Barbara Riveros (world number 5 from Chile), Kate Roberts (South Africa), leading NZ U23 and U19 elite athletes and a team of South Koreans.*
And the popularity of the series is at an all time high, with almost all events reaching capacity, with just the children's Contact 1:2:1 and the men's Contact 3:9:3 having room left on the start line in a busy day of racing leading up to the women's and men's elite Contact Cup races at 3.55 and 4.55 respectively.
Event Director Haidee Stratford is delighted at the prospect of another great day for the sport and participants on Sunday.
"Once again Sunday is shaping as a great day for the sport but in particular for the participants who get to experience a fully closed circuit race in front of big crowds at a fantastic venue.
"It is with thanks to the Takapuna Beach Business Association and Auckland Council that we are able to race under these conditions, creating a criterium style race with a brilliant atmosphere. They have been so supportive of an event that we know puts the spotlight on Takapuna and the wider region, helping promote Takapuna as a great place to visit.
"More so than in previous years we encourage fans of the sport, supporters and family of those racing to come down and grab a great viewing spot along the route or in one of the many great bars, restaurants and cafes along Hurstmere Road because for the first time in a few years we won't be televising the race live. The coverage will instead go out on our summer Contact Tri TV show, broadcast on both TV ONE and SKY Sport on February 26th."
With safety top of mind on such a tight and exciting course (each lap is only 1.6km long), each race is restricted to a maximum of 85 starters, and the only room left for entries is in the men's Contact 3:9:3 and the new addition of a children's Contact 1:2:1 race.
Entries can be made online until 5pm on Friday at www.triseries.co.nz.
Contact Tri Series - Takapuna
Sunday 19th February
- Contact 3:9:3 Women 7:30am
- Men (1) 8:40am
- Men (2) & Teams 9:45am
- Trophy Men 40+ 11:00am
- Women's 12:00pm
- Men <40 1:20pm
- 1:2:1 Boys 3:00pm
- Girls 3:20pm
- Contact Cup Women 3:55pm
- Men 4:55pm
- Prize-Giving Macs Brew Bar 6:30pm
