Nearly 500 competitors will contest the National Duathlon Championships in Taupo on Sunday. Photo / File
Nearly 500 competitors will contest the National Duathlon Championships in Taupo on Sunday. Photo / File
Taupo Motorsport Park once again plays host to the National Duathlon Championships on Sunday in an event that incorporates the elite, age group and school titles.
The event is growing in popularity, thanks largely to the self contained venue that allows athletes to race safely on closed roads and themotorsport circuit, but also provides great viewing for spectators from the motorsport stands and pit buildings. The course includes sections of the bike and the majority of the run on the flat and fast motorsport circuit, providing a great point of difference for the athletes on the smooth and cambered road surface.
The championship has attracted close to 500 entries (with entries still open until 5pm today) with a strong representation in the schools categories, with individual and team events for Year 7/8, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19. Age group athletes will be racing in standard and sprint distance categories in their five year age groups, with the elite categories covering Under-19, Under-23 and Open. Qualification spots for the ITU World Duathlon Championships team will be on the line, subject to athletes meeting the Tri NZ criteria.
In the elite races former champion Mel Burke (Auckland) is expected to dominate but may face competition for line honours from Under-23 contenders Laura Wood (Christchurch), Reubyn Bisschops (Christchurch) and Samantha Kingsgord (Tirau).
In the men's Hamish Hammond (Greytown) will start a warm favourite but will again be under pressure from leading Under-23's Matt Franklin (Auckland) and Cooper Rand (Auckland).
