A year on from entering the sport of triathlon and contemplating this Saturday's National Triathlon Championships in Wellington, Kate McIlroy is a changed triathlete. No longer the unknown or the novice, McIlroy is a triathlete to be feared in any race she features in, thanks to a stunning first season in the sport that saw her rise to number 20 in the world.
McIlroy lines up at Waitangi Park, Oriental Bay on Saturday morning in the final round of the Contact Tri Series, a race that doubles as the National Standard distance championships but also the ITU Oceania Championships.
And while the 29 year old won't be the race favourite, it is incredible enough to think she is even considered a rival to the likes of world number three Andrea Hewitt and Wanaka's Nicky Samuels after such a short time in the sport.
That inexperience is emphasized by McIlroy's lack of exposure to altitude training.
"I am still very new to altitude training having only done it twice before. January last year, was my first time at The Snow Farm, it was really my first introduction to triathlon training, as I had only been in the sport a few months. It was tough and also a shock as to the pure volume of training involved, let alone being at altitude as well."
Given that year in the sport, McIlroy does at least now have previous race experience to compare to this weekend.
"I definitely haven't peaked for this race but would like to improve on my result from last year, where I came off the bike three minutes down on the lead group. I am much stronger now, having a year of solid training with the Tri NZ Squad but there is some strong competition with Andrea, Nicky and a few Aussie girls so it should make for an exciting race."
McIlroy keeps her feet firmly on the ground though and knows that her second year in the sport could be tougher than the first.
"I am still building on my first year of triathlon. I am still very new to the sport but am trying to learn and take in as much as a can. Last year, it was a bonus to get a start in the World Championship Races and more of a surprise to finish ranked 20th in the world. This year, I want to keep the momentum going by racing in most of the World Championship Series and improve on my ranking from last year."
For her part Nicky Samuels has been enjoying the recent training block at altitude at the Snow Farm just above her home town of Wanaka.
"I love altitude training. I really think if you do it right it is a key aspect to training. The altitude training facility in NZ is not as high as in other areas in the world but it you can definitely feel the extra stress or load it places on your body. I really like the Snow Farm level (1600m) because coming from Wanaka at 350m I can keep my training intensity the same but get that added training effect.
"Saturday is my first Olympic distance race of the season. I expect a hard hit out, to see where I am at. I haven't done much speed work over the NZ summer and have come off a large block of training so I am really looking forward to seeing what I have in the first race of season."
Racing on the day features national championship events for all age groups, with qualification spots on the line for the Budapest World Championships later this year, as well as beginner racing in the Contact 3:9:3. Entries remain open for the beginner events with late registrations taken at Freyberg Pool between 4 and 7pm on Friday. Further information can be found at www.393.co.nz.
Racing throughout the morning is based at Waitangi Park and Oriental Parade and includes beginner (Contact 3:9:3) and age group racing over the standard distance course (1500m, 40km 10km) with qualifying spots for the Budapest World Championships on the line. The Under 23's will line up alongside the elite competitors but race for their own titles and ITU ranking points.
Contact Tri Series, Wellington
National Standard Distance Championship and ITU Oceania Championship
Saturday 13th March 2010
Start Times
Trophy Men 7:15am
Trophy Woman 7:20am
Trophy Teams 7:25am
3:9:3 Men 8:15am
3:9:3 Women 8:17am
3:9:3 Teams 8:20am
U19 Men 10:00am
U19 Women 10:05am
Elite/U23 Men 10:45am
Elite/U23 Women 10:50am
For course maps and further information, please visit www.triathlon.org.nz.
