Multisports: World champ to line up in NZ race

New Zealand's Samantha Warriner and other leading women triathletes realise they have a tough task ahead of them, after hearing reigning world champion Emma Snowsill will line-up in Sunday's World Cup race.

Australian Snowsill, the 2003 world champion, has had a last-minute change of heart and will contest the International Triathlon Union (ITU) season finale in New Plymouth, after withdrawing on Wednesday from the 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.

The 24-year-old, who also has New Zealand citizenship through her Masterton-born father, is the only person capable of challenging Australian world No 1 Annabel Luxford for the World Cup series crown.

"She's going to go hard on the swim and bike. She'll definitely be the one to beat because she's so strong in all three (disciplines)," Warriner told NZPA today.

Snowsill has posted two World Cup wins this year to accompany her world championship title in Japan in September and backs up from defending her Noosa triathlon title last week.

Race director Terry Sheldrake today got an early morning call he didn't mind receiving.

"I was told at 6.30am she was racing and will arrive tomorrow," Sheldrake told NZPA.

"It could be tactical, and overall there's about US$230,000 ($338,700) up for grabs, I think that might be bit of a carrot too."

Regardless of Snowsill's motivations and what effect it may have on the result, England-born Warriner, 34, will still be rapt with her efforts this year come Sunday night.

Currently ranked sixth and with two World Cup victories this year in Japan and Germany, the Whangarei school teacher will end the season completely satisfied.

"My goal for the whole year was to finish in the top-10. But to have two World Cup wins, and if I can hold onto number six, it will be brilliant. I couldn't have asked for more this year."

Commonwealth Games-bound Warriner joins compatriots Debbie Tanner, Shanelle Barret and Evelyn Williamson in the field but was the only local athlete with a shot at finishing the series circuit on the podium.

With double ranking points on offer, and depending on other results, Warriner could finish fifth and sneak into third place but she conceded her body was winding down.

"My body's telling me that it was quite happy to have a complete rest day yesterday," she said.

"I'm fit, but not peaking fit, but I'm feeling good and excited about being in New Plymouth and will it my best shot."

In between training, Warriner has been using her classroom skills to rally support as she looks forward to competing in her own backyard.

"I've been visiting local schools promoting the event and been teaching the kids to yell 'go kiwi go.' If I hear that on the run it will be a big boost.

"But (racing in New Zealand) also has a disadvantage of creating extra pressure because it would be so good to win a World Cup in your own country.

"If I can run strongly I'll be pleased."

The race starts from Ngamotu beach at 12.15pm.

- NZPA