Triathlon: Tinman always a hit says director

Andrew Lloyd from Papamoa wins last year's Sovereign Tinman triathlon. Photo / File

One of New Zealand's most iconic and popular triathlon events takes place at Mount Maunganui this Sunday.

The 27th running of the Sovereign Tinman is the second race in the seven-event Sovereign Tri Series. Tinman has proven popular thanks to both its timing and its location, as athletes descend on popular holiday destination Mount Maunganui to start their season of racing.

Event director Stuart Dwight says the Tri Tinman is always a hit in the series and he is excited at the prospect of a new generation looking to put their mark on the event this weekend.

"Not only is Tinman one of our most popular, but it's also one of our most historic too.

"With close to 30 years of competition and memories, the people of Mount Maunganui and the triathlon community really get behind the event," he said.

"We have seen many of the sport's best grace this course and stand on top of the podium. Hamish Carter, Cameron Brown, Walter Thorburn, Graham O'Grady, Karyn Ballance, Heidi Alexander and Nicole Cope have all won this event and almost every one of them is drawn to it by the unique course that sees them run around the base of The Mount before heading to the finish line at Pilot Bay."

The men's race for line honours is shaping up as an intriguing battle between a group of "next generation" triathletes, all vying to add their names to that illustrious list of past winners. Tayler Reid, 19, (Gisborne) from the Triathlon New Zealand national talent squad is making the trip north to race his first standard distance event, as are Auckland athletes Cooper Rand, 22, Jay Wallwork, 20, and Matt Franklin, 22.

Ironically, Reid will be up against his own personal coach in Stephen Sheldrake. The former elite athlete is also lining up over the standard (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) race where he has been on the podium many years ago.

As always with the Sovereign Tri Series, there is a race available for anyone no matter what age or ability. Get the kids involved in the Splash 'n' Dash for 5 to 10-year-olds or for first-timers the short-distance race is perfect. The standard distance race is also for the North Island Championships.

Meanwhile, the Jennian Homes New Zealand Aquathlon Championships take place at Pilot Bay on Saturday morning. The race is for all ages 11 years and over, and is also a selection event for next year's Aquathlon World Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.

Entries: www.triseries.kiwi