Some of the world's top long distance triathletes today spoke of their plans ahead of the weekend's Challenge Wanaka featuring over 1,000 athletes from 24 nations over the gruelling 226km course.
Current New Zealand record holder, Richard Ussher, is racing for the first time in Wanaka and has had a relatively short build-up following his recent victory in the Abu-Dhabi Adventure Race. "It's great to be down here. While I'm still adventure racing I've actually been doing more triathlon training and doing the adventure racing off the triathlon fitness and learning how to push harder."
The current defending women's champion and NZ record holder, Gina Crawford, said she was feeling good fresh of the back of a victory in Western Australia late last year. "It's great to be back on track," she said. "My foot injury is now all sorted and I'm able to run well – I'm really happy with how I'm feeling. It's different every year – I like racing alone which is why this course suits me but you never know what's going to happen. For the last two years I've been 30 minutes ahead on the bike – that's not going to happen this year for sure so I'll have to make sure my run is good. This race is great because of the off-road nature of the run course. Your legs don't hurt nearly as much. It's definitely my favourite run course as it's also so beautiful."
Rebekah Keat (AUS) broke the world record at Challenge Roth earlier this year, earning second place behind Chrissie Wellington who also broke the world record. IT is also Keat's first time in Wanaka and she said that she will just try to race her own race. "I try not to get to involved with who else is on the start list. Having said that, Gina is always goinig to be hard to beat with two victories on this course already. But you never know what's going to happen on the day, it's always different. I have a race plan that I try to stick to but then there's always plan b! It may get a bit lonely out there on the bike but this makes it more challenging for me."
Last year up and coming New Zealand, Keegan Williams ran into second place. This year he said training had gone well and of his fellow New Zealander, Richard Ussher, he said, "I can't worry too much about what Richard's doing. It's going to come down to the last 10km of the run – I guess whoever want it most will win."
Danish triathlete, Lisbeth Kristensen is also a strong contender in the women's field following her return to the sport last year after the birth of her daughter. "Statistics show that 70% of women get stronger when becoming a mother – my running has definitely improved but I also get sick so much more from the bugs from day care! But I'm feeling well and fit for this race."
Challenge Wanaka takes place on 16 January 2010 and is part of the global series of TEAMChallenge long distance triathlons featuring races in Germany, France, Denmark, Austria and Spain, as well as New Zealand. For further information visit www.challenge-wanaka.com.
