Top athletes assemble in New Zealand for Challenge Wanaka
20 FEBRUARY 2015 – Challenge Wanaka has one again attracted an impressive field of professional and age group athletes
to take on triathlon’s ultimate distance in New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps on 22 February.
Recently winning the World’s Most Scenic Triathlon accolade at Triathlon Business International Awards in the USA,
Challenge Wanaka will feature a 30 strong professional field as well as over 1,500 age groupers. In addition over 400
youngsters are expected to take part in the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka on 21 February and 200 in the Radio
Wanaka 5km Charity Fun Run, raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand.
Dylan McNeice (NZL) is returning to defend his title and try to make it three from three. However, he will have strong
competition from Joel Jameson (GBR) who took out third at Challenge Henley in the UK, along with Challenge Philippines
champion Matt Burton (AUS). Wanaka local multisporter turned triathlete, Dougal Allan who will be looking to improve his
last year’s third place. In addition all eyes will be on Braden Currie (NZL) who is planning a back-to-back
Coast-to-Coast defence and inaugural long distance triathlon
In the women’s pro field, Gina Crawford (NZL) returns in a bid to gain her 13th long distance title which would also be
her sixth Challenge Wanaka title, making her New Zealand’s most successful long distance female triathlete. Fellow Kiwi,
Michelle Bremer, is also a strong contender, as is Jessica Fleming (AUS) and Christie Sym (AUS) fresh from a second
place result at Challenge Melbourne earlier this month.
Live timing is available on race day, 22 February, at www.challenge-wanaka.com with live updates streaming on Twitter @ChallengeWanaka.
Images by Getty Images will be available from www.image.net for free editorial download
Challenge Wanaka is the longest running Challenge Family event outside of Challenge Roth and in 2016 will celebrate its
10th anniversary. The Challenge Family series of triathlons features 44 full and half distance races in 19 countries
around the world, including the world’s largest long distance triathlon – Challenge Roth in Germany. The birthplace of
the Challenge Family, Challenge Roth now features over 5,500 athletes and 220,000 spectators and home to both world
records held by Andreas Raelert (GER) and Chrissie Wellington (GBR). Since 2002, races throughout Europe, UK,
Australasia, Asia, North America and South America have joined Roth. Together they provide athletes with a new
experience of long distance racing with a strong focus on athlete and spectator experience, giving back to the community
while respecting the legacy of sport and being committed to its continued growth. For further information on Challenge
Family visit www.challenge-family.com.
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