A number of New Zealand triathletes will dip their toes in ITU water for the first time this year with the opening round of the ITU World Cup circuit in Mooloolaba on Australia's Sunshine Coast this weekend.
Andrea Hewitt is one to take the chance to tune up ahead of Auckland, while Mikayla Nielsen and Simone Ackermann will be looking for experience in elite company and Rebecca Clarke will have a rare test for her at World Cup level in the women's race at 12.45pm local time on Sunday. Meanwhile in the men's Clark Ellice and Mike Phillips will line up on Saturday at 3pm local time.
 Andrea Hewitt at the start of Mooloolaba 2012(Photo: Delly Carr / ITU) |
The focus in Mooloolaba is primarily one of preparation to gauge form and fitness for the season ahead, in particular the upcoming Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Series opener in Auckland in early April.
Tri NZ National Coach Greg Fraine says Mooloolaba is an ideal race for a number of reasons.
"Mooloolaba has a quality field where our athletes can truly test their form. This will give them a good indicator for Auckland under racing conditions.
"Additionally the tough course in Mooloolaba provides an ideal real race hit out prior to Auckland, which is world renowned as the most challenging Olympic distance race on the ITU World Series circuit."
Simone Ackermann is one of the Kiwi's lining up and the former Whangarei (now Auckland) based athlete has some clear goals in mind on Sunday.
"I am focused on staying with the top girls in the swim and bike, and see what I can do on the run. Performance is the most important goal for me in this race but a top 10 finish would be nice. This week training has been more about recovering from Wellington, but all has gone well after a tough race last weekend.
"I really enjoy the course in Mooloolaba, it's got a hill on the bike which you have to go over twice each lap, which I like. The swim has been moved this year from the beach to the river, which is a shame, because I like the surf. But I can't control that so you just have to go with it.
"Primarily for me though this is another opportunity to practice racing before Auckland. And although the field is small, it is really strong, so this weekend's race is a good chance to see how I am against some of the top triathletes."
Clark Ellice is the highest ranked of the New Zealand men lining up; the Taranaki athlete will be looking for vital ranking points and a confidence boosting performance following on from his finish at the Oceania Championships in Wellington last weekend.
Christchurch U23 Mike Phillips is the only other Kiwi in the men's field as he looks to gain vital experience at World Cup level against some of the best in the sport in the likes of defending champion Laurent Vidal and Javier Gomez, both of whom will line up in Auckland on April 6.
New Zealanders Lining Up In Mooloolaba
Women
Andrea Hewitt (Christchurch)
Simone Ackermann (Auckland)
Mikayla Nielsen (Waikato)
Rebecca Clarke (Auckland)
Men
Clark Ellice (New Plymouth)
Mike Phillips (Christchurch)
