Rotorua is set to welcome in the Contact Tri Series for another summer when it hosts the first round of the 7 event nationwide series this Saturday December 15 at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake).
And the signs are the slightly later date (December as against the previous date in November) and the partnership with the Rotorua Half Ironman are paying dividends, with strong interest across all races on offer. From the children's Contact 1:2:1 to the 3:9:3 for beginners, the Sprint Distance, the Standard Distance and the teams racing, right through to the Rotorua Half Ironman entries are strong with just on 400 entered in the Contact Tri Series races alone.
All events are centred on the stunning Blue Lake in Rotorua with the Rotorua Half Ironman getting events underway bright and early Saturday morning with family, friends and supporters then able to either race in one of the Contact Tri Series events or enjoy watching others take part while the Half Ironman competitors take on their longer event throughout the day.
Triathlon New Zealand Event Manager Kate Blood says the weekend promises to be a perfect start to the Contact Tri Series.
"Already the move to December and sharing the stunning Blue Lake with the Rotorua Half is paying dividends with an increase in entries, due in part I'm sure to the beautiful weather we have been enjoying these past few days.
"The attraction on Saturday is there is a race distance for everyone – of all ages and abilities. And for those there supporting Rotorua Half competitors to cheer them away from their start line and then don the wetsuit themselves for a much shorter race, either the 3:9:3 or a Sprint or if they are keen, the Standard Distance event. They can then be finished, recovered and ready to welcome back the Half competitors!"
The day will see the 15th edition of the Rotorua Half Ironman, traditionally held on the last weekend before Christmas but this year moving one week to accommodate the new partnership with the Contact Tri Series. The race actually started in Taupo before moving to Rotorua in 2006.
Rotorua Half Ironman Event Director Steve Nicholls says the event is more about the social side of the sport, the camaraderie and friendly atmosphere than it is about elites and prize money.
"When you sign up for this event, you'll get a showcase of everything we believe makes triathlon such a great sport. An incredibly stunning and testing course, an inviting social atmosphere, where we all want you to have a great race, just as long as I beat you across the line, a few "special features", and a laid back and friendly atmosphere, with people who are ready to race hard, and play hard - or even just play hard.
"Let's face it, Rotorua is an Iconic Kiwi destination, It's not called 'Rotovegas' for nothing and our event showcases some of the most beautiful scenery 'Rotovegas' has to offer. From the swim in gloriously clear waters of Lake Tikitapu, stunning lake views, and iconic climbs on the bike, through to our stunning 100% off road run along the Blue and Green lake front, this is a magnificent course."
New Zealand Olympian Ryan Sissons will be taking part in a team, with his team mates chosen based on their 'stories'. The lucky ones selected are Tanya Hemara and Angela Anderson, both are looking forward to rubbing shoulders with the world number 19.
Nicholls is expecting around 600 entrants on the start line bright and early on Saturday morning, making for a great day of triathlon in 'Rotovegas'. And in keeping with the 'fun' aspect of the sport, the event winners take home 4 feet high stuffed animals as part of their prize.
The combination of the two events has the backing of the Rotorua District Council and the local Rotorua Triathlon and Multisport Club (RATS).
Contact Tri Series and Rotorua Half Ironman
Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua, Saturday 15th November
Schedule of Events
Friday 14th November
- Registration 4pm to 8pm Holiday Inn Rotorua
Saturday 15th November
- Late Registration 5.30am to 7am Blue Lake
- Half Ironman 6.25am Men
- 6.30am Women and Teams
- Sprint 7.30am Men
- 7.33am Women and Teams
- Standard 8.40am Men
- 8.43am Women and Teams
- Late registration 11.15am – 12.30pm 3:9:3 and 1:2:1 only
- 3:9:3 12.00pm Men
- 12.15pm Women and Teams
- 1:2:1 1.30pm Boys
- 1.35pm Girls
- Prize Giving 2.30pm approx
Contact Tri Series 2012/13 Dates
- Rotorua – in conjunction with Rotorua Half Ironman – Saturday 15th Dec 2012
- Whangamata – start the New Year in style on the Coromandel – Thursday 3rd Jan 2013
- Christchurch – amazing flat course at Pegasus township – Sunday 13th Jan 2013
- Wanaka – the Doddsy Challenge is on again! – Friday 18th Jan 2013
- Kinloch – National Sprint Champs and teams racing – Sunday 3rd Feb 2013
- Takapuna – Super sprint on fully closed course – Sunday 17th Feb 2013
- Wellington – National & Oceania Standard Distance Champs – Saturday 9th March 2013
