The Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Grand Final will enjoy the presence of the flying Brownlee brothers for the elite men's race around the Auckland waterfront in October, with London gold medallist Alistair and his younger brother and London bronze medallist Jonathan advising that they will be on the start line on Sunday October 21st.
 Olympic medallists Alastair & Jonathan Brownlee and Javier Gomez(Photo: Delly Carr / ITU; click to enlarge) |
They, along with London silver medallist Javier Gomez will complete a medal sweep of men's starters for Auckland, with the Spaniard confirming in conversation to Triathlon New Zealand CEO Craig Waugh that he is heading for Auckland, news that has delighted Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Grand Final CEO Dave Beeche.
"Ever since London everyone has been asking if the Brownlees and Javier will be lining up in Auckland, and while nothing is certain with injuries always a threat, to have all three stating that they will be in Auckland at this stage is fantastic.
"They and the remainder of the best in the world will put on a great show, along with our own best in the likes of Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell and Ryan Sissons. Fans need to make plans now to see these guys, Alistair Brownlee in particular is taking the sport to a new level and has to be seen live in action to be believed, we are in for a wonderful display on a fantastic testing course."
Alistair has indicated that he will be in Auckland as much to support younger brother Jonny. Injuries curtailed the 24 year olds start to the season, meaning it is unlikely he will have raced often enough to contend for the overall world title, a race that has Jonny currently in second with Stockholm, Yokohama and Auckland left to race.
"It's a good course in Auckland," said Alistair in the aftermath of his London gold medal. "It's hilly which makes it easier for a break to stay away on the bike. I want to go and support Jonny to try to win the world title, I can't win it myself because I've not done enough races, but it should be a great race."
Jonny however has enjoyed a prolific season, with two wins and a second place putting him in second on the overall points, behind Russian Alexander Bryukhankov.
"I'm looking forward to the Grand Final. It's been a strange year for me with Alistair not being at a lot of the races, but it's great that I could be in contention for the title and coming off the back of the Olympics it will be great for us both hopefully to go to New Zealand."
The final field for the elites won't be confirmed until much closer to race day, but already the field is shaping as the best ever to race in New Zealand, on a downtown Auckland course that has the potential to test the best and allow spectators perfect viewing of the swim alongside Queens Wharf, the multi-lap bike in and around the CBD and the multi-lap run up and down Queen Street.
Before they watch the best in the world, fans and triathletes of all abilities, ages and backgrounds can also get to test themselves on the same tough bike course before the elites race with a fun 300m swim, 5km bike and 3km run event taking place the morning before the big guns take to the stage. Entries are still available for these races (solo and teams) but are filling fast and are expected to sell out, details can be found at www.triauckland.co.nz
Dave Beeche hopes to confirm a number of the stars in the women's ranks, including medallists from London, in the next week or so.
For more information, including course maps, event schedule and spectator information, please go to www.triauckland.co.nz.
