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Sissons Goes ‘Home’ For Cape Town World Triathlon Event
5 April 2014
Triathlon New Zealand
Sissons Goes ‘Home’ For Cape Town World Triathlon Series Event
For New Zealand’s leading male triathlete Ryan Sissons a race in Cape Town means so much more than travelling to a new venue in a stunning part of the world. When Sissons takes part in the latest round of the ITU World Triathlon Series this Sunday (Monday 1am NZT), he is racing closer to his original home than ever before.
Sissons grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to New Zealand when he was 12, as they looked for a better life and new opportunities. But the 26 year old still has family in Africa so racing in Cape Town this weekend will be a chance to show them the work he has been doing these past 14 years.
“For me Cape Town WTS is the first time back to Africa since I left 14 years ago. I was living in Zimbabwe and my family decide to move to NZ when I was 12 years old. My grandparents are here and will watch me race in a triathlon for the first ever time, so if that isn’t enough motivation to do well then I’m not sure what is.
“It’s a long way from New Zealand but I have managed to get through the travel and into some good sleeping plans quite nicely. I know I am in some great form and have managed to get a descent block of training in post Auckland so I am really looking forward to trying to iron out some mistakes I made there. It’s another good field with a lot of new athletes lining up for the first time this season so it will no doubt be an interesting race.
“All in all I am really just happy to be here in Cape Town and in some good shape and be able to spend some time with my family whilst doing triathlon. Nothing can really be better.”
The quality of the field will indeed again be strong, with Jonathan Brownlee and Javier Gomez again on the start line, as is Mario Mola. Add to that mix a first race this season for Richard Murray in his home country and the pace will be on throughout.
Sissons is the only New Zealander racing in the elite races this weekend. For live timing, visit www.triathlon.org and follow the links for live timing splits and updates.
The elite men’s race is covered live in NZ on Sky Sport 3.
ENDS
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