Contact Energy backing ultimate triathlon clash

30 January 2006

Contact Energy backing the ultimate triathlon clash

The Contact Energy Triathlon Festival on February 5 in Kinloch promises to be the ultimate in New Zealand triathlon with gold and silver Olympic medalists Bevan Docherty and Hamish Carter once more going head to head.

The Contact Energy New Zealand Triathlon Festival is the country’s longest-running annual triathlon event and has been running for 23 years. Race organisers expect 450 to 500 competitors this year, more than double the 200 entrants in 2005.

Bevan Docherty, who is also sponsored by Contact Energy, will compete in the event and speak at the prize-giving function.

Murray Stanley, Generation Manager of Contact Energy’s Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, said Contact was proud to sponsor Bevan Docherty and the Contact Energy Triathlon Festival.

“This event is as good as it gets for triathlon in New Zealand. This is the head-to-head clash that netted New Zealand gold and silver at the last Olympics and Contact is delighted to be backing Bevan Docherty on his home patch,” he said.

Mr Stanley said the event, which also doubles as the New Zealand Triathlon Nationals, was a rare opportunity for competitors, spectators and the wider Taupo community to see the ultimate in triathlon rivalry.

“The Contact Energy New Zealand Triathlon Festival is an iconic event in New Zealand’s triathlon calendar, with top athletes using the event to attempt to qualify for the World Triathlon Championship in Switzerland in September.

“Bevan Docherty is in top form and we wish him all the best for what promises to be a really hard and very exciting race. Contact Energy encourage the people of Taupo to get out there and give Bevan Docherty all of their support in this important event.”

Bevan first won the Taupo Triathlon more than 10 years ago.

Mr Stanley said Contact Energy’s support of the Triathlon Festival reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the Taupo community.

Bevan Docherty was born and bred in the Taupo region, where Contact Energy generates electricity using renewable geothermal heat. Contact employs 65 people at the Wairakei, Poihipi and Ohaaki stations, and contributes $7 million per annum into the Taupo economy. The geothermal stations generate around five per cent of New Zealand's total electricity.

“Contact Energy has a major presence in the Taupo community and we are delighted to be able to support one of the region’s finest athletes and the country’s most iconic triathlon competition,” said Mr Stanley.

ENDS

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