The men's race at the Contact National Sprint Triathlon Championships at Kinloch this Sunday has attracted a top quality field with favouritism evenly spread evenly amongst a number of high ranking triathletes.
A host of top men, including Tony Dodds (Wanaka), Clark Ellice (New Plymouth), Callum Millward (Auckland) and Ryan Sissons (Auckland) will line up in what promises to be a fascinating battle on a tough course, albeit one that is less demanding thanks to the removal of the big bike climb of previous years.
For Ellice it is his first race of the summer as the world number 32 looks to kick start a big season.
"I have enjoyed some great training with a good base block achieved with a swimming and running focus. My aim is to win the event but being the first race of the season, tactics will play a huge part."
Ellice enjoys the course and believes it will test strength as well as speed, despite the sprint distance.
"Like a number of the competitors I loved the hill on the bike and am gutted it has been taken out this year but we need more strength running courses to simulate ITU racing as well so I can understand the thinking. It still has an element of strength needed with the various surfaces and gradients on the run so will be a real test throughout."
Aucklander Ryan Sissons has been training with Kris Gemmell in Palmerston North and believes he is in good shape to race well off the back of some big mileage.
"I've had a great two weeks of training with Kris, including a great run at the 3000m national champs in Wellington last month. It's now time to back it up with a great race at Kinloch.
"For me this race is to see where I am at this stage of my training, being draft legal and over the sprint distance it will be a great opportunity to get the feel back into doing all the little things right as well as the usual swim/bike/run factor!
"The course change is a bit disappointing for me as I really enjoyed going up the big climb, however it's still a great smooth fast course which should see some great run speed off the bike if all goes to plan."
Tony Dodds is eyeing up the national title after a runner up finish in the Contact Series Wanaka race lasts month but the 23 year old admits there are bigger fish to fry later in the year.
"The race this weekend still means quite a bit because it's still NZ sprint champs, and typically it's the first race where we can see how everyone else is going at this stage of the season.
"I think I'm very fit at the moment and everything's going well except for a few niggles. But this race is a stepping stone to where I want to be later in the year. I like to carry good form throughout these races and want to have a strong performance but will definitely leave a bit in the tank until my peak."
Callum Millward (Auckland) will be an interesting prospect; the 27 year old has enjoyed his first significant off-season since recovering from compartment syndrome.
"The key events for me are 4-6 weeks away with Oceania's in Wellington and Mooloolaba World Cup, so to taper now would make it difficult to race well in those races. I am coming off a big block of training so will be doing my best to hang in there and find some fast legs, during what I'm expecting to be a hectic 5km run with the likes of Clark and Ryan running well."
Other notable entries include 34 year old Tristan Calwell who is still more than capable of mixing it with the elite athletes and might enjoy the sprint distance.
Also on the day is the Erin Baker Trophy Race over the standard distance while the beginners are not left out with the Contact 3:9:3 option available for those nervous or first time participants while the children will take part in the fourth and final edition of the Contact 1:2:1 for the year.
One interesting entry is that of Cameron Brown as the Ironman champion steps up his build up towards Ironman New Zealand in March. Brown will contest the Erin Baker Trophy race over the standard distance with the sprint deemed too short and too quick at this stage of Brown's preparation.
Entries are still open on line at www.triathlon.org.nz.
Contact Tri Series (incorporating Tri NZ Sprint Nationals)
Kinloch, Taupo, Sunday 7th February
7.00am – Men, Taupo Standard Triathlon - Erin Baker Award
7.05 am – Women, Taupo Standard Triathlon - Erin Baker Award
7.15 am – Teams, Taupo Standard Triathlon - Erin Baker Award
10:00am Contact Trophy Men
10:05am Contact Trophy Women
10:07am Contact Trophy Teams
11:10am Contact 3:9:3 Men
11:15am Contact 3:9:3 Women
11:17am Contact 3:9:3 Teams
12:30pm Elite/U23/U19 Men
12:35pm Elite/U23/U19 Women
1:50pm Contact 1:2:1
2:30pm Prize Giving
