Multisport: Top field to tackle Challenge Wanaka

Widely recognised by elite athletes as one of the toughest iron-distance courses in the world, Challenge Wanaka will once again put swimmers, bikers and runners of all ages and abilities to the ultimate test today.

The event has attracted some of the world's best professional triathletes, including defending champions Dylan McNeice, of Christchurch, and 11-time long-distance champion Gina Crawford, of Albert Town.

At a media conference in Wanaka this week, Crawford (33) said the event was ''definitely the hardest course'' she had done.

''Just the conditions and the road surface. It's a real power course, I think, and a real strength course. There's always something to think about so I can't drift off like I sometimes do on flatter courses.''

Returning elite athlete Scott DeFilippis (34), of the United States, agreed competing in Wanaka was more challenging than most iron-distance events.

''It's a pretty hard course. The roads on the bike make it pretty tough. That was probably the biggest obstacle. I'm used to training in Europe or the States where the roads are a bit smoother.''

For multiple iron distance champion Carrie Lester (32), of Australia, Challenge Wanaka's difficult terrain was a drawcard.

''The hills suit me ... being a stronger biker these types of courses attract me.''

The event is also recognised on the international circuit as one of the world's most scenic long-distance triathlons. It starts with a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km bike around Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, before athletes begin a full 42.2km marathon run along the shores of Lake Wanaka.

The swim leg begins at 6.30am today and some competitors will be still on the course at 11.30pm when fireworks mark the finish-line party.

More than 1500 athletes will tackle Challenge Wanaka and its sister event, the Lake Wanaka Half, this year. The long-distance event has attracted 315 competitors, on a par with last year, while the half distance is slightly up on previous numbers with more than 1200 people.

Race director Victoria Murray-Orr said this year's event promised to be the most exciting yet.

''Our reigning champions are in great form and I'm so pleased they're both racing to retain their titles. It will be fascinating to see if Dylan can hold off the challenge of Richard Ussher and several other world-class athletes in the men's field.

''In the women's race the main question is whether Gina can maintain her unbelievable record of winning every year she's entered.''

Challenge Wanaka is part of the Challenge Family global series of triathlons which features 23 races in 14 countries, including the world's largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany.

- lucy.ibbotson@odt.co.nz

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