New Zealand's leading triathletes have reacted with delight and anticipation that Triathlon New Zealand has secured the 2012 Dextro Energy ITU Triathlon World Championship Series Grand Finale.
Tri NZ confirmed the news at a press conference on the Auckland waterfront today. The Grand Final is the most prestigious event and highlight to the 8 race World Championship Season and will come to Auckland from 18-22 October 2012, bringing with it a host of international stars and thousands of international visitors.
2009 world number three Andrea Hewitt believes it will capture the imagination of an already triathlon friendly nation.
"To have the 2012 World Champs finale in Auckland will be amazing, not only for us as competitors but for the spectators and watching public as well. Everyone loves Triathlon in New Zealand, so it will be great to host the best race of the season in front of an appreciative home crowd."
Double Olympic medallist Bevan Docherty echoed Andrea's sentiments.
"New Zealand is a very passionate Triathlon country. We're got a very strong history obviously with Hamish (Carter) winning gold and with my two Olympic medals, it is a fairly well recognised sport already.
"Plus it's going to be a downtown street circuit in the city of Auckland which will be great for athletes and spectators; it's going to be a fun time."
Palmerston North's Kris Gemmell is especially excited about the course planned for the event, and hinted at something of a farewell to home fans.
"The course they're proposing up and down Queen St and running through the main CBD is just going to be amazing. It's such a vibrant city and obviously a beautiful country.
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| Elite Course Map (Photo: Triathlon NZ) |
"I'm really looking forward to maybe finishing my career running down Queen St with the New Zealand singlet on and the fern on my chest."
Triathlon New Zealand National Coach Greg Fraine emphasised that it is also a chance for our emerging talent to perform at home.
"This event will not only provide a great platform for the proven performers in our sport but it will give the next group of emerging talent the chance to race at home in familiar surroundings and conditions.
"This event is one that should act as a great motivator for all currently in our High Performance Groups and those that are knocking on the door and who knows, it might well attract prospective talent that we haven't yet identified.
"New Zealanders will see some world class triathlon at home and if all goes to plan, a number of Kiwis will be to the fore in both men's and women's events. Opportunities like this in an athlete's career are rare and must be capitalised on."
Auckland will host the four days of triathlon, with activity focused on the waterfront and CBD with transition, finish line and spectator viewing areas based on Queens Wharf. The elite athletes will take on a course that will include a tough climb to the top of the CBD on each of the 8 bike laps and a steep descent down Queen Street to the turnaround on Queens Wharf, making for superb watching live or on TV worldwide.
As well as catering for the elite and competitive age group triathletes in their own World Championship races, the festival event will also host a corporate teams, kids and beginners events.
In a further boost for Auckland and the profile of the sport, the event will have a dress rehearsal in the hosting of an ITU World Cup event in 2011, with details to be confirmed.
Furthermore the event will leave a legacy for the sport and the City of Auckland with an annual corporate team triathlon event planned with participation the key driver, encouraging all New Zealanders to pursue a healthy lifestyle through triathlon. Further details of this legacy event will be released in due course.
