Bevan Docherty to Compete in New Zealand

Docherty To Compete In Christchurch National Triathlon Series Race

Top New Zealand triathlete Bevan Docherty is set to compete on home soil this Saturday [13 January 2007] at the fourth event in the National Triathlon Series, in Christchurch.

29 year-old Docherty, who last year won a silver medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and took out the Mooloolaba International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup race, will compete in the Contact Energy New Zealand Cup race.

The race, for medium to advanced level athletes, comprises a 1.5 kilometre swim in the Corsair Bay Harbour, a 40 kilometre out and back cycle leg, and a 10 kilometre two-lap run course to Lyttelton with a turnaround point at Norwich Quay.

Docherty said he's looking forward to kicking off a year of competition in Christchurch and showing his support his main sponsor, Contact Energy, and for the Contact Energy National Triathlon Series.

"It's been a long time since I've raced in Christchurch and I'm still carrying quite good fitness so it will be good to get the ball rolling this weekend," Docherty said.

"The National Series is a great concept that will really help our up-and-coming athletes get some quality competition experience and earn a bit of prize money at the same time."

Triathlon New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Dave Beeche, said it's great to have one of the nation's top athletes competing in the inaugural series.

"As well as supporting our up-and-coming athletes, the National Series aims to get more people involved in the sport of triathlon at all levels," Dave said.

"Competing alongside athletes like Docherty will be a great thrill for newcomers to the sport."

The Contact Energy National Triathlon Series

The inaugural Triathlon New Zealand National Series aims to provide all New Zealanders over the age of 13 years with the opportunity to take part in a triathlon regardless of their ability or where they live in New Zealand.

Events have already taken place in New Plymouth, Auckland and Nelson, seeing more than 750 competitors take to the start line.

Further events will be held in:

Christchurch 13 January 2007

Rotorua 28 January 2007

Kinloch 3 February 2007

Napier 17 February 2007

Whangamata 17 March 2007

Wellington 31 March 2007

Each event will feature two races:

The first race is a participation race catering to the first time triathlete and anyone over the age of 13 years old.

The second race is the Contact Energy New Zealand Cup race (medium to advanced level) and is open to all age groups over 18 years old. Competitors win prizes and earn points which culminate in the awarding of the Contact Energy New Zealand Cup at the completion of the series.

Race one (the participation race) of each event costs $55 to enter. The second race as detailed above will cost $75 to enter.

Prize money is awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each Contact Energy New Zealand Cup Race.

The principal sponsor of the Series is Contact Energy.

ENDS

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