The first event in the 7 race Contact Tri Series takes place this Saturday in Rotorua, with racing combined for the first time with the popular Rotorua Half Ironman in and around Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and a number of former and future stars will line up.
Rising talent Mikayla Nielsen will feature in her first serious hit out of the season, racing in the standard distance race, while former world number one Sam Warriner continues her return to the sport after taking time out to start a family as she races in a sprint distance team on Saturday. Also lining up is former Rotorua winner Maddy Brunton, the Waikato athlete has focused on her studies in recent times but must be respected.
In the men's race the standard distance race is highlighted by the presence of well performed Graham O'Grady (Kinloch), fresh after wins in the Taupo Half Ironman and Craigs Investment Partners Tinman events, O'Grady is clearly carrying some strong early season form.
Hamilton's Mikayla Nielsen admits that being so early in her season and with some big goals later in the summer, she may not be race fit on Saturday but the former elite Junior World Champion is looking forward to starting her season.
"I'm really looking to have a good race where I'm satisfied at the end and hopefully be near or at the front. Being my first race of the season, it's a good chance to see where I can make improvements for the Youth Olympics coming up in January.
"I came off a long break a couple of weeks ago so I'm just getting back into the speed work. I wouldn't say I'm super fit at the moment but you never know, I might just surprise myself this weekend, especially on my new bike from Specialized!
"I have raced there before and remember it being freezing and rather hilly. The run would be my favourite part of this course: bit of road, interesting off-road tracks and a beach run in the middle/end. It will be great with the warmer temperatures on Saturday I'm sure."
Warriner's presence will be a boost to the event with the Northlander something of a pied piper to other contestants as young and old seek the personable 41 year old out for advice. Whether the kids lining up in the Contact 1:2:1 or some of the athletes she coaches through her Sweat7 programme, many are sure to be asking Warriner for advice on how to approach their day.
The men's race looks to be Graham O'Grady's to win, albeit an athlete of his calibre always races with a target on his back and no doubt there will be a host of young up and comers lining him up on Saturday around the stunning Blue Lake course.
Race distances on offer on Saturday range from the Contact 1:2:1 for the children to the Contact 3:9:3 for beginners and the sprint and standard distances races for those looking for more of a challenge.
The day will begin with the Rotorua Half Ironman, with competitors setting off on their longer journey first thing in the morning, leaving family and supporters to either don their own race suits and compete in one of the shorter races, or enjoy the action while others give it a go.
Entries are still being accepted online at www.triseries.co.nz.
Contact Tri Series and Rotorua Half Ironman
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
