Triathlon New Zealand has confirmed the addition of a new race in the South Island this summer with the Contact Tri Series moving to a new venue in Christchurch from its previous base in Timaru.
The change effectively adds a new South Island event to the summer calendar, with the Contact Tri Series now including Christchurch on Sunday 30 January 2011 and Timaru retaining its place on the calendar a week before on Sunday 23rd January, as a stand-alone club event.
The addition of a new South Island event at Pegasus just North of Christchurch is one that Tri NZ Event Manager Haidee Stratford believes can be a huge boost to the sport down South.
"The development of the new Pegasus Township has been great for Triathlon. It has provided us with a fantastic venue, one that will also host the Contact Schools Nationals in 2011. It is safe, largely flat and has the support of the Christchurch City Council and local Pegasus Town community.
"Hosting this Contact event in Christchurch just a week after Timaru also provides a great double header for South Islanders and visitors from further afield. It is our view that many will choose to compete in the Timaru Club event and follow up with participation at the Contact Series race in Christchurch."
Triathlon New Zealand and the Christchurch City Council have agreed to a three year partnership for the Contact Series.
The Council's Recreation and Sports Unit Manager, John Filsell, says the nationally-sanctioned Contact Tri Series and the schools nationals complement the city's sports and events strategy.
"It will stimulate the sport locally and add to the already significant number of triathlon-related events organised independently," he says. "Being able to gain points for a national-level series like this is likely to add to our growing number of elite local athletes."
With the two South Island events running back to back, Stratford says Tri NZ has faith that Timaru will continue long into the future under the guidance and expertise of the Timaru Tri Club and complement the new Christchurch event.
"The Contact Tri Series is an evolving series as we look for the right mix with existing club events and the need to cater for the major population centres, in this case Christchurch. Tri NZ will continue to provide Timaru event support to ensure the best possible experience for participants and we have complete faith in the local club to deliver a great day for all.
"Christchurch though is a new and exciting event and one we believe can and will be an outstanding success and a worthy addition to the Contact Tri Series."
Contact Tri Series: Pegasus, Christchurch
Sunday 30th January 2010
www.triathlon.org.nz
Timaru Triathlon, Including the Chris McAteer Memorial Trophy
Caroline Bay, Timaru
Sunday 23rd January
www.timarutriathlon.co.nz
