Takapuna is set to host Triathlon competition of the highest order when the Contact Tri Series welcomes a host of international and world ranked New Zealand stars to the tight and spectacular course this Sunday.
With a field that includes the who's who of New Zealand triathlon and world leading international athletes, spectators are in for a treat watching live on the streets of Takapuna or live at home as the event is beamed throughout the country on TV One.
Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell, Laurent Vidal (France), Clark Ellice, James Elvery, Ben Pattle and Ryan Sissons will lead the way in the men's with the mouth watering prospect of Docherty and Gemmell going head to head at home enough to satisfy even the most demanding of fans.
In the women's it is a similar star studded line up with world number 3 Andrea Hewitt, Debbie Tanner, Kate McIlroy, Kate Roberts (South Africa) and Zita Zsabo (Hungary) expected to contend for the prize money while former world number one Sam Warriner might yet be a late entry as she looks to overcome a throat infection to race.
Dave Beeche, Triathlon NZ CEO says this is a triathlon that will be a match for any race anywhere in the world in 2010 on a number of fronts.
"The quality at the sharp end of both the men's and women's races is just stunning. Bevan and Kris are great mates but intense rivals and while they are racing in their 'off season' they will be pumped for this, so too with Laurent Vidal who enjoyed his best ever season last year.
"And in the women's race Andrea will be looking to show that her performances last year have established her as one of the sports very best and on current form, the number one Kiwi. She will face challenges from a host of world class competitors though.
"But if the athletes are the jewels in this event then the crown has to be the course itself. With full street closure and a tight multi-lap course, this is made for spectacular racing and incredible viewing, either live at the event or on TV with Television New Zealand's live coverage. This will showcase the sport at its best."
Both elite races will be covered live on TV with the women's race underway at 3.55pm and the men's at 4.55pm on the Sunday afternoon. The 500m swim, 17km bike and 4.2km run should be cut out in under an hour for the women and a tad quicker for the men.
