Fewer triathlon entries for Tongariro Classic

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 240, 19 April 1988, Page 20

Fewer triathlon entries for Tongariro Classic

By Susannah Walker The Tongariro Classic, a two-day multisport event to be held at Anzac weekend, is expected to be "more friendly and 1 e s s competitive" than some bigger multisport events. Event manager Mr Richard Balm of Ohakune, says this is because the number of entries so far is smaller than anticipated for the April 24 and 25 event. But smaller numbers mean there will be a closer liaison between

organisers and competitors, he says. Most people will know each other and it will be more of a family atmosphere rather than a competitive one. There is capacity for 250 two-person teams in the cycling, canoeing and running event. About 40 or 50 have entered so far. "We would like over 100 entries, but I don't think we'll get that many because there's so many events going on and people get burnt out," says Mr Balm.

This will be the second Tongariro Classic. The inaugural event was held two years ago. Most of the interest this time has come from Auckland, Wellington and Taranaki. Entry is only by two-person teams, but there will be open, women, mixed, veteran and family classes. Marathon teams must complete the whole course within 30 seconds of each other. The first day of the event will consist of a

44-kilometre bike ride from Turangi to the Chateau, a 28km run across the Tongariro National Park, and an 18km ride along the Desert Road. The day will be rounded off with a 2.2km run to the Blue Pool on the Tongariro River and a 9km paddle on the river to the finish line at Turangi's Island Pool. The second day will be made up on an 18km bike ride from Turangi to the Kuratau Spit, an 11km paddle across Lake Taupo to Motuoapa, and a 9km run from there to Turangi. A variety of workshops and social activities is planned for competitors and support teams in Turangi. Canoeing and cycling workshops will be led by 15times national kayak champion Bernie Fletcher and Olympic cycling coach Ron Cheatley. The president of the New Zealand Multisport Association, Mr Arthur Klapp, will take an overview

session on multisport and Mr Rob Locke, of the: Life Foundation, will lead a workshop on nutrition and physiology. Social events will include large-screen video sessions, a banquet and a fun minitriathlon for support crews. Mr Balm says sponsorship is "healthy." Prizes will include tents, clothing and backpacks. The major sponsor, the Great Outdoors Company, is offering a discount on gear purchased by competitors. Spot prizes will include holiday accommodation at the Chateau Tongariro and Discovery Lodge, clothing, book vouchers and canoeing tuition. Mr Balm says: "We want the classic to become a major event with its own unique style. "It's a bit more low key and not as competitive as some of the major events, but we'd like it to be regarded as the North Island's premier multisport event."