The 2015 Port of Tauranga Half was launched today at Mount Maunganui with a massive twist or two in store for the 26th hosting of the iconic triathlon event, with a new bike course and a wider Multisport Festival planned.
Once again given the honour of hosting the New Zealand Long Distance Championships, the event has had a shot in the arm with the creation of The Mount Festival of Multisport – with the Port of Tauranga Half at its heart on the Saturday surrounded by other events including the Weetbix Kids Tryathlon, a short distance triathlon event on the Friday, Splash and Dash, Beach Volleyball, watercraft events, running races and a host of family friendly activity from music to food across three days.
Event Director Dave Mee says the aim is to create a festival of events and activity with something to suit everyone at one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations.
"The Mount Festival of Multisport will truly have something for everyone, from the triathlon participants in the Port of Tauranga Half, the Moana Tangaroa Classic 10k water craft race, the Splash and Dash, the Weetbix TRYathlon for the kids or for those who just want to soak it up and take it all in, we have the Beach Volleyball, food markets and plans to introduce a musical element to the weekend as well.
"The Mount is the perfect place and we believe the Mount Festival can develop in the future to rival the likes of the Noosa Tri Festival and attract thousands of visitors from around New Zealand and the world with its variety of activities and events."
As far as the Port of Tauranga Half goes, there is no one that knows the event better than Cameron Brown. Surely the most durable long distance athlete on the planet and still one of the most competitive, the 42 year old Aucklander will chase his 11th win on January 10 2015.
"The Port of Tauranga Half has been part of my summer for 20 years, since back when I had no kids it has just been part of summer for me, a part of my build up to Ironman New Zealand. I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have this race on the calendar, my normal training regime will continue, this is one of those races I look forward to every summer and getting on the start line."
 New Zealand long distance legends Joanna Lawn and Cameron Brown at today’s launch of the Mount Festival of Multisport(Photo: Tri NZ; click to enlarge) |
The other exciting news sees proposed changes to the bike course and while the exact details will be released in the coming weeks, organizers are working with the local council and stakeholder groups to take the bike over the Harbour Bridge for the first time, with a short lap coming back to Pilot Bay before participants head back out on the long lap via Greerton and Welcome Bay, returning to The Mount via Papamoa and Ocean Beach Road.
"The changes to the course will see a fair few excited people for sure, some others might like the normal race route but it is good to have change, after 25 years something different is always welcome," said Brown.
"The bike is going to be a big challenge, with a few more hills around the Welcome Bay area it looks a little like the old Tinman race from a long time ago that went through there. It is more a strength course, not just flat out a 90k speed race and that will help lengthen things out – there will be no drafting on this course I reckon! I think it helps me, in previous years you had to be ready to go flat out for 90k at 43 kph the whole way, there will be no course records to match the old times on the new course that is for sure.
"This is going to be a good event, a great event. There is 26 years behind this so there is a lot of history there at The Mount but it is good to see some change and added value to everyone racing down there. I'm sure there will be even more atmosphere with the other sports and events and that is always good fun."
There will be many at the Mount Festival of Multisport that might recall days gone by when they used to line up against Brown, but have long preferred the comfort of the VIP tent or the roadside café to watch the athletes go by. Brown shows no signs of joining them just yet.
"I love it, it is too hard if you don't enjoy it. If the passion has gone you need to take time off and get out of it, I still have loads of motivation in me with a few good more years racing yet."
Brown was joined at the launch today by another legend of the sport in Joanna Lawn; the four time winner will be an interested spectator next January as she is currently pregnant with her first child but is looking forward immensely to the new look Mount Festival of Multisport.
Mount Multisport Festival
January 9-11 2015; Headquarters at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
- Friday 9th: Moana Tangaroa Classic 10k ocean water craft race (all types from SUP, Kayaks to Waka Ama), Fun Triathlon (TBC), Dash for Cash (short distance running events).
- Saturday 10th: Port of Tauranga Half, Mauao Classic (variety of runs around and up The Mount to suit all abilities and ages), Beach Volleyball – Main Beach
- Sunday 11th: Weetbix Kids TRYathlon, Beach Volleyball – Main Beach, prize giving and party!
