Brunton Adds Further Spice To Whangamata Triathlon
The elite women’s field at the Whangamata round of the Contact Tri Series on January 3rd just received a further boost
with up and coming star Maddy Brunton adding her name to the start list in a race she finished second to Jo Lawn in last
summer.
Brunton will have the chance to avenge that defeat as Lawn too is again in the field for the standard distance event
(1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) at the popular Coromandel holiday town.
Waikato based Brunton admits the quality of the field influenced her decision to race.
“I just heard the other day that Jo Lawn is a confirmed starter, which I’m pretty stoked about. It was great racing her
last year to see where I was, measuring up against the best. And it sounds like there is a really good line up for this
year's event which will make it a great race with the likes of Rebecca Kingsford, Sophie Corbidge and Teresa Adam also
racing.
“Whangamata is one of my favourite races of all time- there is nowhere to hide on this course and there is always really
good crowds of supporters and spectators which gives you a lift the whole way around the course.”
Ironman legend Lawn is also looking forward to the race and the defence of her title.
“Whangamata is one of my must do races here in NZ, hard bike course with an amazing running along the beach.
“It is such a great race in Whangamata, and it is good to toe the line with many different athletes. I think this kind
of competition really does bring out the best in oneself!! I learn from the young ones and I hope they learn from me
too. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and in a distance like this you have to be invincible - let nothing
stand in your way!
“Basically, I won the race last year and I think as a past winner I need to come back and defend my title. I always
believe winning a triathlon is very hard; defending it is an art in itself. So I am planning for a solid day. It is a
super challenging course and soooooo much fun.”
“Training is going well; basically I am using this race and Tauranga Half as my first speed workout for my Ironman New
Zealand preparation.”
Entries are building on a day that offers racing for everyone in the sport, from the kids in the Contact 1:2:1 event to
the everyday Kiwis looking to achieve their own goals and objectives in races from the Contact 3:9:3 for beginners to
sprint and standard distance events with team racing a popular option, especially amongst those families and friends in
holiday mode.
Entries are open online at www.triseries.co.nz