30 January 2006
Contact Energy backing the ultimate triathlon clash
The Contact Energy Triathlon Festival on February 5 in Kinloch promises to be the ultimate in New Zealand triathlon with
gold and silver Olympic medalists Bevan Docherty and Hamish Carter once more going head to head.
The Contact Energy New Zealand Triathlon Festival is the country’s longest-running annual triathlon event and has been
running for 23 years. Race organisers expect 450 to 500 competitors this year, more than double the 200 entrants in
2005.
Bevan Docherty, who is also sponsored by Contact Energy, will compete in the event and speak at the prize-giving
function.
Murray Stanley, Generation Manager of Contact Energy’s Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, said Contact was proud to
sponsor Bevan Docherty and the Contact Energy Triathlon Festival.
“This event is as good as it gets for triathlon in New Zealand. This is the head-to-head clash that netted New Zealand
gold and silver at the last Olympics and Contact is delighted to be backing Bevan Docherty on his home patch,” he said.
Mr Stanley said the event, which also doubles as the New Zealand Triathlon Nationals, was a rare opportunity for
competitors, spectators and the wider Taupo community to see the ultimate in triathlon rivalry.
“The Contact Energy New Zealand Triathlon Festival is an iconic event in New Zealand’s triathlon calendar, with top
athletes using the event to attempt to qualify for the World Triathlon Championship in Switzerland in September.
“Bevan Docherty is in top form and we wish him all the best for what promises to be a really hard and very exciting
race. Contact Energy encourage the people of Taupo to get out there and give Bevan Docherty all of their support in this
important event.”
Bevan first won the Taupo Triathlon more than 10 years ago.
Mr Stanley said Contact Energy’s support of the Triathlon Festival reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the
Taupo community.
Bevan Docherty was born and bred in the Taupo region, where Contact Energy generates electricity using renewable
geothermal heat. Contact employs 65 people at the Wairakei, Poihipi and Ohaaki stations, and contributes $7 million per
annum into the Taupo economy. The geothermal stations generate around five per cent of New Zealand's total electricity.
“Contact Energy has a major presence in the Taupo community and we are delighted to be able to support one of the
region’s finest athletes and the country’s most iconic triathlon competition,” said Mr Stanley.
ENDS