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| Cameron Brown with sons Joshua and Braeden in Hawaii earlier this year Photo: Brown family |
Whangamata will always hold a special place in the heart of 7 times Ironman NZ Champion Cameron Brown but this weekend his role will be that of spectator and supporter rather than triathlete as race two in the Contact Tri Series is hosted at the popular holiday destination.
The Brown family has holidayed at the popular Corromandel beach for years and it was the venue for one of his first wins at elite level when he beat then idol and now Triathlon NZ 'Hall of Famer' Rick Wells back in 1991.
But 2010 will see Brown sidelined with a nagging calf injury, one that has restricted the kilometres the 37 year old has been able to churn out over recent weeks, a time when Brown is usually logging some of his busiest weeks in preparation for the Port of Tauranga Half early next month and Ironman NZ in March.
However, the Brown name will be on the start line in Whangamata, it just won't be Cameron. Dad will this weekend join 'Team Brown' to support his sons Joshua (6) and Braeden (8) in the Contact 1:2:1, an event designed specifically as an introduction for children aged up to 11.
With twenty years of racing under his belt, Cameron says the chance to support the boys has eased a little of the disappointment at not racing himself.
"Sunday will be cool; it is always a good atmosphere and is a race with a lot of history. While I would rather be racing as well, it will be great to watch them for a change. Braeden raced last year and both did Weet Bix recently with Josh finishing first in his wave and Braeden second, so I guess they have had good starts to their triathlon careers!
"I don't need to say much though; it is all about the enjoyment for them as kids and for me as a Dad. They understand what it is all about, it was hard for them when they were younger but now they know all the guys racing and understand what to do and what hurts.
"They won't lack for support or competition though, the 'Brown house' is chocka with cousins and uncles and Aunts, I'm sure the full household will be out and a few of the cousins are racing which should provide a bit of competition on the day."
Racing begins at 8am on Sunday morning with Contact 3:9:3 races for beginners and Contact Trophy races for the age group and elite competitors.
Contact Tri Series, Whangamata
Sunday January 3rd
8am: Contact 3:9:3
Men, Women, Teams
9am: Contact Trophy (Age Group)
Men, Women's, Teams
Midday: Contact 1:2:1
Girls and Boys
Registration
Saturday 2 January, 4 – 7pm Venue: registration tent at Williamson Park
Sunday 3 January, 7 – 8am at the registration tent.
Late Entries:
Saturday 2 January, 4-6pm; Venue: registration tent at Williamson Park
