An expired visa has prevented Wanganui triathlete Tom Francis from competing in the richest event of its kind in the world - the HyVEE in De Moines, Iowa in the United States.
Francis was among the 30 invited to race in the event after gaining points throughout the North American season.
However, the HyVEE is scheduled to run on Sunday American time and Francis' visa runs out tomorrow New Zealand time and he has no chance of an extension.
Father Barry said from Wanganui his son was disappointed on missing out on the race, but was also keen to get back home for a rest before preparing for another season in the US.
"Funnily enough Tom set out to gain enough points for the HyVEE last season and didn't quite make it, so this season he put it to the back of his mind and stacked up enough to get the invitation," Barry Francis said yesterday.
"He tried as hard as he could but couldn't get an extension on his three-month visa, so he's getting on a plane and coming home. He will be back in the country Thursday and we're meeting him in Taupo for the weekend on Friday ... "
In an email home, Tom Francis said the HyVEE carried a $1 million purse with every runner receiving a share.