The Contact Tri Series continues it's run in the South Island this weekend with Timaru the latest stop after Friday night's highly successful event in Wanaka.
After the high octane sprint racing into the Wanaka twilight, Timaru presents a chance for some of the next tier to shine and secure victory in the tranquil setting of Caroline Bay.
Leading the women's field is Tauranga's Janine Simpson who has so far managed two fourth place finishes in the series, showing her first podium might well be on the cards on Sunday.
Expect 19 year old Aucklander Libby Morrison to offer a genuine challenge as the teenager looks to transition from promising junior to competitive senior in elite company. She won't want for family support on the day with Dad David and younger brother Henry also taking part.
In the men's race 2009 Contact National Duathlon race winner Axel Reiser is expected to be a front runner but one of Canterbury's 'favourite Germans' won't have it all his own way. Winton's Bobby Douglas always gives a good account of himself and will be looking to improve on his sixth place in the elite Contact Cup last Friday in Wanaka. He will have to work hard to stay with Reiser on the bike though with the ex-pat German a renowned cyclist and sure to work hard on this section of the race.
Also in the frame will be Tom Francis (Wanganui) and Harrison Dean (Christchurch). Dean surprised many with his win in the U23 category and fifth place overall in the elite race in Wanaka, he shouldn't be troubled by the step up in distance on Sunday.
Racing on the day will also cater for the beginner triathletes and the children with both the Contact 3:9:3 and 1:2:1 offering race distances and courses that even the most nervous participant will enjoy.
Tri NZ Event Manager Haidee Stratford is looking forward to another great South Island event.
"It is great being in the South Island for these two weeks; it is fair to say that compared to the main cities in the North the pace of things slows down considerably – for the better when it comes to triathlon!
"Wanaka was stunning and I'm sure Caroline Bay in Timaru on Sunday will be equally successful and a delight for the participants. The transition area is in a natural amphitheatre and the roads are great for both the run and the bike so it should be a wonderful day."
For those less inclined to swimming, the Timaru race also offers a rare opportunity in a separate event where competitors kayak before cycling and running, while a Duathlon is also on offer.
Contact Tri Series, Timaru
Sunday 24th January
Races
Contact 1:2:1 - 100m swim/2km cycle/1km run
Contact 3:9:3 - 300m Swim /11km Cycle /3.3 km Run
Contact Trophy (Individual & Teams) - 1500m Swim /40km Cycle 10km Run
Kayak & Duathlon (Click here to enter):
Kayak - 4km sea paddle/40km cycle/10km run
Duathlon - 2km run/40km cycle/10km run
Race Timetable
Contact 3:9:3
8.00am – Men
8.05am – Women
8.10am - Teams
Contact 1:2:1
9am - Kids
Contact Trophy (Age Group)
9.30am – Men
9.35am – Women
9.40am – Teams + Kayak and Duathlon options
