21 February 2014
For immediate release from Port Taranaki New Plymouth ITU World Cup Triathlon
New Plymouth A Great Opportunity For Kiwi Triathletes In World Class Fields
New Plymouth will play host to one of the strongest fields assembled for an ITU World Cup Triathlon when the sprint
distance event comes to Ngamotu Beach on March 23rd with 6 of the top ten men and 5 of the top ten women on the entry
lists released by the ITU, including both current world number one ranked athletes.
The elite start lists have been released by the ITU and such is the demand for both the men’s and women’s events that
the waiting lists are long deep on talent. Leading the way is, in the men’s field:
Javier Gomez Spain world ranking 1
Mario Mola Spain 3
Joao Silva Portugal 6
Laurent Vidal France 7
Sven Reiderer Switzerland 8
Vincent Luis France 1
Ryan Sissons NZL 14
Richard Varga Slovakia 2
Cameron Good Australia 21
Dan Wilson Australia 2
Tony Dodds NZL 41
And in the women’s field:
Non Stanford Great Britain 1
Jodie Stimpson Great Britain 2
Gwen Jorgensen USA 4
Andrea Hewitt NZL 5
Sarah Groff USA
Emma Jackson Australia 11
Nicky Samuels NZL 14
Vendula Frintova Czech Rep 22
Barbara Riveros Chile 28
Vicky Holland Great Britain 33
The quality of the fields is simply outstanding and rivals any race on the ITU World Series circuit, with world number 1
Javier Gomez (ESP) returning to a country he has raced in many times and never lost, having won in 2008 (ITU New
Plymouth), 2012 (ITU World Champs Auckland) and 2013 (ITU World Series Auckland) as well as the 2003 ITU U23 World
Champs in Queenstown.
Tri NZ High Performance Director Graeme Maw says it is a positive reflection on New Zealand triathlon both as a training
base and as a genuine challenge for the Kiwis in their own backyard.
“The fields will be very strong in New Plymouth for a race that plays an integral part in a strong series of races in
Australia and New Zealand. With Kinloch, Pegasus (both .kiwi Tri Series events), Devonport (Tasmania) and now New
Plymouth all bringing international fields, we have a real portfolio of high ranking, competitive events in our own
region. New Plymouth as an ITU World Cup Sprint is of course a great race in its own right, presenting a stretch for our
emerging talent and ideal preparation for our top athletes for the opening ITU World Series event in Auckland two weeks
later.”
While Maw highlighted the presence of leading New Zealanders Andrea Hewitt, Nicky Samuels, Ryan Sissons, and Tony Dodds,
he says New Plymouth and events of a similar nature are equally a chance for the next generation of athletes to put
their hand up for further recognition.
“This is a great test for our emerging athletes. It’s no secret that last year we struggled to compete at U23 level, and
races such as this give an ideal opportunity for those aspiring athletes to put numbers on the board. We are delighted
there is opportunity for those who are starting to prove to be competitive to demonstrate their progress and commitment
to the sport in the highest quality race, right here on home soil.”
Maw says the athletes must look to take these opportunities while they are here and show some form in top company.
“We have seen the potential beginning to emerge in our youth ranks in recent months and as we build on our culture
within the Tri NZ HP squads there is an increasing understanding of what it takes to be consistent on the world stage,
to truly become an elite athlete. New Plymouth presents a wonderful chance for a number of athletes to shine, each with
their own objectives in mind relative to the stage of their development.”
Indeed the pursuit of world class racing opportunities right here in New Zealand (and in Australia) is part of the Tri
NZ HP 2020 strategy to give athletes exposure to that experience and the chance to grow and develop without having to
travel to the other side of the world.
Clearly there are spin offs for the local and national economy too, with increased visitors to New Zealand, increased
bed nights and economic benefits to the community through increased spending as athletes and teams base themselves in
New Zealand to train and/or race during our summer.
The event is also providing opportunities for triathletes of all abilities and ages to participate on the Sunday morning
in a range of short distance events before then enjoying the world class spectacle of the elite races from midday
(women) and2.30pm (men).
Tri NZ HP Squad members gaining a start in the elite ITU New Plymouth World Cup Sprint races on March 23are:
Elite Women
Andrea Hewitt Christchurch world ranking 5
Nicky Samuels Wanaka 14
Sophie Corbidge Auckland *U23 athlete
Maddie Dillon Auckland *U23 athlete
Mikayla Nielsen Waikato *U23 athlete
Elite Men
Ryan Sissons Auckland 14
Tony Dodds Wanaka 41
Plus other NZers
Rebecca Clarke Auckland
Anneke Jenkins Tauranga
Fiona Crombie Christchurch
Rebecca Kingsford Tirau
Laura Wood Christchurch
Bryce McMaster Australian based
Martin van Barneveld Wellington
Port Taranaki New Plymouth ITU World Cup Triathlon
New Plymouth
Sunday March 23rd
7.30am Corporate and Age Group racing starts
Midday Elite Women, ITU World Cup
2.30pm Elite Men, ITU World Cup
For further information monitor the website:www.itunewplymouthtriathlon.co.nz
ENDS