Bryan Rhodes, legendary Kiwi triathlete with 16 years of experience and four iron distance titles under his belt, will race in next week's Challenge Wanaka. Rhodes, who is renowned as being the first Kiwi to lead an ironman race from start to finish (Malaysia in 2001 and 2002) will do the swim and bike while Auckland runner Kristen Baker will do the marathon leg.
Another high profile New Zealand athlete, Nicky Samuels, will also be out on course, but in the Lake Wanaka Half. Fresh from defending her title in the Contact Cup sprint triathlon the night before, Samuels will do the swim in a partnership with local multi-sporter Gavin Mason, who will do the bike and run. Samuels ' next big goal is to represent New Zealand at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Up-and-coming multi-sporter, Dougal Allan, will use the cycle leg of Lake Wanaka Half as preparation for the Speight Coast to Coast. Last year he won the two day event at the age of just 22 and just three weeks after Challenge Wanaka he will step up to take on the world's best in the one-day event.
While husband, world champion multi-sporter, Richard Ussher, is racing for a spot on the Challenge Wanaka podium, Elina Ussher will be racing in a Lake Wanaka Half team event, also with her eye firmly on the podium. Also an adventure racing world champion, Elina will do the bike and run sections while Masters swimming medallist, Ally Boggs, will do the swim leg.
Challenge Wanaka takes place on Saturday 16 January 2010 with over 1,000 athletes taking part in the half and full distance races. It is part of the global Challenge series of long distance triathlons that features races in Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, and Austria, as well as New Zealand. For further information, visit http://www.challenge-wanaka.com/
