Takapuna will this Sunday ring to the sound of hundreds of triathletes with the hosting of the popular Contact Tri Series for all athletes from age groupers to the best in the country with many races sold out.
Round 6 in the nationwide Series, Takapuna is hugely popular with athletes for its picturesque setting and completely closed course, allowing the athletes the freedom of Takapuna's CBD on a tight and technical multi-lap course that makes for great spectator viewing.
Headlining will be London Olympian Kate McIlroy and current New Zealand number one male Ryan Sissons, amongst a quality field of elite athletes that will include some of the best U23 and U19 athletes and world number 13 Frenchman Tony Moulai.
 Kate McIlroy at Pegasus(Photo: Triathlon NZ; click to enlarge) |
McIlroy is looking forward to a return to a favourite course; the world number ten has been in great form this summer with wins already in Pegasus, Wanaka and Kinloch as the world number 10 prepares for her international campaign.
"I am really looking forward to having another solid hit out in Takapuna. It's not only providing a good race hit out but giving me good feedback about racing 3 weeks post altitude. I raced straight off altitude in Kinloch, now this is at the other end of the altitude window, so will provide useful feedback.
"It's an awesome course that is usually very well supported by the locals creating a unique atmosphere. The course is deceptively hard; fast swim, a tight technical bike course combined with a solid undulating run course, enough to test your strength and speed!"
 Ryan Sissons winning the Oceania Champs in 2011(Photo: Mike Heydon / Tri NZ; click to enlarge) |
Sissons will literally be racing at home and is looking forward to a shorter journey from home to the event on Sunday afternoon.
"Takapuna is always a race I look forward to doing and this year that is no different. I have been in a fairly big block of training so it's always a bit of a shock to the body when I have to really get it moving in short sharp races however I know I'm in good shape so I will be looking to be at the front end of the field for most of the race.
"The course and atmosphere is always great with the streets lined with people during this mid afternoon showdown. I always dread running up that hill after the swim at full pace, and I'm sure it will hurt just as much this year as it always does! For me it's just great to be able to get in the car and drive 30min to the race, I can be a lot more relaxed and just enjoy the race."
The race is likely to come down to a New Zealand v France affair, with world number 13 Tony Moulai confirmed to race. The Frenchman is here in New Zealand training with countryman Laurent Vidal and will travel to Takapuna to take on the elite field.
Adding spice to the mix are the names Clark Ellice and Nicky Samuels on the start list, both were recently unlucky to miss out on selection in the Tri NZ High Performance Squads and will be looking for strong performances.
But the attention will not be solely focused on the elites, with many of the age group races over the sprint distance and the beginners Contact 3:9:3 (300m swim, 9km bike, 3km run) already posting the sold out signs.
Triathlon New Zealand Event Manager Kate Blood says Takapuna is always a great day for all concerned.
"Takapuna is such a wonderful destination and always sells out with our athletes, they love the venue with the stunning beach and the closed course which makes for great fun racing and viewing for family and friends from the many bars and restaurants that line the course.
"The support received from the local retailers, residents and businesses has been fantastic and helps promote Takapuna to a wider audience through our media outlets and Contact Tri TV show which will play on SKY Sport later this month, showcasing Takapuna and the sport of triathlon to the country."
The Contact 1:2:1 for children and the Contact Cup for the elite athletes are the only races with space on the startline, waiting lists are in operation for all other races.
