Taupo Motorsport Park once again plays host to the National Duathlon Championships this weekend, an event that incorporates the elite, age group and school titles on Sunday 25th August.
The event is growing in popularity, thanks largely to the self contained venue that allows athletes to race safely on closed roads and the motorsport circuit, but also provides great viewing for spectators from the motorsport stands and pit buildings. The course includes sections of the bike and the majority of the run on the flat and fast motorsport circuit, providing a great point of difference for the athletes on the smooth and cambered road surface.
The Championship has attracted close to 500 entries (with entries still open until 5pm on Friday) with a strong representation in the schools categories, with individual and team events for Year 7/8, U14, U16 and U19. Age group athletes will be racing in standard and sprint distance categories in their five year age groups, with the elite categories covering U19, U23 and open. Qualification spots for the ITU World Duathlon Championships team will be on the line, subject to athletes meeting the Tri NZ criteria.
In the elite races former champion Mel Burke (Auckland) is expected to dominate but may face competition for line honours from U23 contenders Laura Wood (Christchurch), Reubyn Bisschops (Christchurch) and Samantha Kingsgord (Tirau). In the men's Hamish Hammond (Greytown) will start a warm favourite but will again be under pressure from leading U23's Matt Franklin (Auckland) and Cooper Rand (Auckland).
Online entries remain open for all categories until 5pm on Friday with registrations on Saturday at Taupo Motorsport Park (2.30 to 4.30pm) and racing throughout Sunday morning and into the early afternoon, allowing plenty of time for a drive or flight home post prize-giving on Sunday.
