Multisport: Farley heeds call of the Wilde

Hayden Wilde

A battle for the 2015 Nugget Multisport Festival honours is shaping between young Whakatane athlete Hayden Wilde, 18, and Tauranga veteran Dwarne Farley.

Last year, Farley, 43, took top honours in the signature multisport event, which consists of a 33km road cycle, 10km kayak, 12km run and 23km mountain bike. But this year a new contender means victory for Farley is far from certain.

Taking place in picturesque Waihi Beach today, the Nugget Multisport Festival is a real family affair with something for everyone.

In addition to the full multisport course, the festival also features a duathlon and three running events of different distances.

With some serious training under his belt and a recently concluded campaign in the Godzone adventure race, Farley looks to be in his best shape.

His team One Square Meal took six days to conquer the Godzone course over some of the South Island's most arduous terrain; the hardman lost nearly all his toenails during the brutal event.

However, this long, slow grind of endurance will stand him in good stead for the rest of the year.

Further adding to his reputation for toughness, Farley's exploits come on the back of an accident which saw him break his femur after being hit by a motorcyclist in 2012.

Last year marked his return to form, when he added a third place at the Motu Challenge to his triumph at the Nugget.

But Trident High School student Hayden Wilde is looking like a strong contender, managing a second place at last year's Kururau Krusher event in Taumarunui. And, despite being plagued by mechanical problems, Wilde managed to get ahead of Farley at last year's Motu Challenge, only to experience problems with his kayak which forced him to withdraw.

While Farley can be expected to enjoy a slight advantage in the kayak, he will need to watch out for the fleet-footed Wilde, who is capable of covering 10km in just 33 minutes.

This is likely to set up a compelling duel on the mountain bike stage and the final 2.2km gallop around the Martha's Mine pit rim which takes competitors to the finish.

The Nugget Multisport Festival not only caters for the elite athletes, it is also ideal for all levels with its multiple events and distances.

Race director Mark Samson credits this format for attracting a great number of first timers.

He also points to the achievable nature of the course as a reason for its popularity.