New Zealand has a team of 21 athletes competing in elite category racing at the ITU World Triathlon Championships this weekend, including a strong representation in the final round of the elite ITU Dextro Energy World Championship Series, a race that will decide the destiny of world titles for 2009.
For the elites Andrea Hewitt and Kris Gemmell are the leading New Zealand contenders, each sits in third place with just the final race on the Gold Coast carrying more points than the preceding 7 events, anything could yet happen with both a chance of catching Emma Moffatt (AUS) and Alistair Brownlee (GBR) respectively if the current leaders are not on their game.
They will be joined by Bevan Docherty, Debbie Tanner, Sam Warriner, Nicky Samuels, Kate McIlroy, Clark Ellice, Martin Van Barneveld and James Elvery in elite racing with the women racing on the Sunday and the men on the Saturday.
Triathlon New Zealand National Coach Greg Fraine is excited about prospects this weekend.
“Andrea and Kris are looking to consolidate their overall ranking in the World Championship Series and are amongst the real threats on the start line, both for overall series placing but the podium on the day as well, both have enjoyed stellar seasons and deserve to be there when the prizes are handed out on the weekend.
“Bevan will always give his best in a major event and his best is capable of challenging for the top of the podium. With the others also looking at each other and the overall title, Bevan looms as a potential winner on the day, at his best he can run with anyone in the world, his form over many years and ability to handle big races is testament to that.
“Debbie’s form has been building nicely through the season and as always will have prepared for a peak performance. All the squad have form that is tracking upwards so the indicators are very positive for great performances across the board. Sam will make a welcome return to ITU racing and we will look for her to have a performance we all know she is capable of.
“Kate, Martin, Clark and James are all coming out of the 2012 Potential squad so they are looking to confirm the progress they have made this season by fronting up in the pinnacle event for the year. Good results will see them take another step towards a place in the 2012 medal / top squad. Realistically a top 16 place would confirm good, in fact for some great progress this season.”
Under 19 and under 23 categories race off for world titles in one off races with New Zealand well represented in both age groups.
Triathlon New Zealand Assistant National Coach and the man responsible for overseeing the age group elites at the World Championships is Stephen Sheldrake. The Gisborne based coach says the weekend will be tough but backs his charges to do well.
“Age group racing at elite level is always difficult to predict but we certainly have a great mix of athletes, each with their own strengths and some weaknesses. Depending on how each race plays out tactically this will see some benefit and others struggle on what is a largely flat and fast course.
”The key though is no different to any other elite race, our athletes must swim well and be in the lead pack on the bike, be able to cover or go with any breaks and run like the wind to be on the podium. This is an exciting group of athletes that will do us proud over the weekend.”
ITU World Triathlon Championship: Gold Coast
Event Schedule
U23 Women
Friday 11th September: Midday
NZ Team: Rebecca Spence
U23 Elite Men
Friday 11th September: 2.30pm NZT
NZ Team: Tony Dodds, Ryan Sissons, Andrew and William Curtayne,
U19 Junior Women
Sunday 13th September: 1.45pm NZT
NZ Team: Rebecca Kingsford, Teresa Adams, Sophie Corbidge,
U19 Junior Men
Sunday 13th September: 3.15pm NZT
NZ Team: Jos Hoetjes, Michael Poole, Tom Davison
Elite Men
Saturday 12th September: 5.15pm NZT
NZ Team: Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell, Clark Ellice, Martin Van Barneveld, James Elvery
Elite Women
Sunday 13th September: 4.45pm NZT
NZ Team: Elite Andrea Hewitt, Debbie Tanner, Sam Warriner, Nicky Samuels, Kate McIlroy
