World number two triathlete Bevan Docherty is a late and reluctant withdrawal from tomorrows Contact Tri Series race at Takapuna.In a good news bad news scenario, Docherty was forced to pull out of the live televised event just 24 hours after world number one women's triathlete Sam Warriner confirmed she would be on the start line.
Docherty's injury is not serious, but at this early stage of the season he has taken a cautious approach.
"I had a small neck strain that I was compensating for and unfortunately this has tweaked my ribs and caused a minor cartilage injury. I am erring on the side of caution with this sort of an injury; they can go one way or the other but at this stage of the season with such a big year ahead I can't afford to turn a minor strain into a major injury concern."
"It is annoying, I was looking forward to racing Kris (Gemmell), Laurent (Vidal from France) and some of the other New Zealand guys on a circuit that is set up for excitement and fast racing."
World number four Gemmell equally down that his good mate was not able to make the start line.
"We are both disappointed he is not racing. I wanted to go out and take him on and win; now it is me who will have the target on the back and be the one the others are all chasing.
"Nonetheless I think it will be a great race and on this course anything could happen. It is tight and technical and yet will be very fast so concentration will be at a premium. I'm sure some of the others in the field will see it as a chance to grab a scalp or two."
Frenchman Vidal carries an ITU world ranking of 11 into 2009 after a string of strong performances at World Cup races; he too is looking forward to it.
"I have enjoyed New Zealand and Christchurch since December, training here for the summer. Tomorrow will I think be a very exciting race, a good one for the athletes but also for the people watching."
The women's race by contrast has benefited from the late entry of Sam Warriner. The world number one has decided her recovery has gone sufficiently well after winning the Geelong 70.3 half Ironman a fortnight ago, that she is going to take on a quality field.
Included in that field is world number 7 Lisa Norden (SWE). Norden was a big mover on the ITU rankings last year, in the process picking up her first World Cup win.
"I am so happy to be here in Auckland, I have been here before but only for 24 hours in between flights. The weather is not so good at the moment but I'm sure it will be fine tomorrow.
"I have had an injury to overcome so have not done any real running for some weeks and I'm only just beginning that part of my training. But I am looking forward to it and seeing how I will go on this course."
Also on the start line is Christchurch world number 9 Andrea Hewitt for her first race of the season.
"This will be my first start so it will be interesting to see how I go. I have been training well and of late doing some surf lifesaving as well so maybe it won't be so bad if the weather is a little rough for the swim!"
Racing gets underway from 12.50pm with the Contact 3:9:3 for beginners and ends just on 6pm with the elite men's race due to finish just before TVNZ crosses to its news bulletin.
There is a prize draw held at prize giving at R'Totos at approximately 6.30pm with all $25 purchases in Takapuna businesses during the day going into the draw for great prizes.
All course maps and information can be found at www.triathlon.org.nz
Contact Tri Series, Takapuna
Saturday 21st February
Event 1 (Contact 3:9:3 Women) - 12.50pm (SOLD OUT)
Event 2 (Contact 3:9:3 Men) - 1.30pm (SOLD OUT)
Event 3 (Contact Trophy Women) - 2.10pm (SOLD OUT)
Event 4 (Contact Trophy Men) - 3.00pm (SOLD OUT)
Event 5 (Contact Cup Women) - 4.04pm 500m swim, 16km bike, 4.65km run
Event 6 (Contact Cup Men) - 5.07pm 500m swim, 16km bike, 4.65km run
The elite races will be covered live on TV ONE from 4pm with live updates and reports on Radio Sport throughout the afternoon.
