Popular Ironman athlete Bryan Rhodes will line up at the Contact Tri Series event at Pegasus this Sunday, in part as preparation for Challenge Wanaka a week later, but also to support an event in his hometown of Christchurch and further assist the earthquake recovery.
Multiple Ironman winner around the world Rhodes is in the twilight of his career but is as passionate as he ever has been about the sport and the city he now calls home.
"The areas in Central Christchurch about the beaches and hills are seeing a lot of truck traffic from tearing down Houses, offices and warehouses so that along with most of the piping being destroyed the roads are very bumpy and pretty tough to ride on road or Time Trial bikes," said Rhodes.
"Most training is done outside of the central business district so not affected by road closures anymore but we have lost a great training facility in QE2 and are training at the new base over in Jellie Park. Some of the Port Hill roads are still closed so a few favourite loops have gone at present."
Rhodes turns 40 in just over a week's time but is adamant he still has what it takes to mix it with the younger generation of athletes, especially over the longer distance.
"I'm fitter this year than last and really would like to take the win just really have a solid hit out before Challenge Wanaka the following week.
"And yes the Big 4 - 0 is just around the corner but I feel the best I have since I ruptured my Achilles tendon and really want to show that I still have the goods to deliver also would love to win a couple more Ironman Titles before I retire.
"The banter and young guns are what keep me doing the sport I love it and really have seen the sport grow and evolve over the last 20 years."
Rhodes says the hosting of such events in the Canterbury region is vital to its continued recovery and the morale of the community.
"The Triathlon community is pretty strong in Canterbury but with pools etc being spread out it not as close a group of Athletes anymore. Having a race in a place like Pegasus where you have safe good roads and no traffic is great as a lot of the places where Triathlons used to take place are in bad shape. Also the spectators can see the Athletes multiple times which is great."
The Contact Tri Series event at Pegasus is all about the shorter events, offering race distances from the children's 1:2:1 to the Contact 3:9:3 for beginners and the Trophy Sprint races for individuals and teams.
Entries are open online at www.triseries.co.nz.
