The same goes for the women’s race. Defending veteran champion Trish McBreen was the only confirmed entry by last night and it would take a pretty special performance to head her off.
Teams are harder to predict. Combinations change each year and late crews can throw sure bets out the window. On paper, Rocky Smyth — half of last year’s fastest team — is well set up with Tayler Reid doing the cycle leg.
But enter Doug Moore, fresh from the Auckland marathon, who has teamed up with cyclist Peter Murphy. Game on. If they falter, Steve Morrow and Bruce Whitley will be around the corner.
So to the mixed teams. Georgia Halley and cyclist Craig Hoskin . . . Michelle Rennie and her old man Barry Hyland biking. Now there’s a contest.
Other teams will be worrying less about the podium and more about conquering the Coast. As if it really needs introduction after a quarter-century, this duathlon is a 14km run to Tatapouri, a 40km road cycle to Tolaga Bay, a further 36km ride to Tokomaru Bay, then a 10km canter up the valley to Te Puia.
Along the way there are two moderate hills to run over, four off-the-seat bike climbs and Heartbreak Hill on the final leg to the springs pub. Race times for individuals and teams of from two to four members range from a little under four hours to a bit over six.