With just over two weeks to go until the Craigs Investment Partners Tinman Triathlon roars into life on Sunday December 2, athletes are getting ready to step up to the start line to take part in what is considered the best event to start the triathlon season.
The elite field is taking shape with and has been bolstered by the confirmation two of New Zealand top long distance athletes will be lining up, 2008 Tinman Champion James Bowstead and Graham O'Grady.
Bowstead is extra motivated to race this year after he missed last year's event due to injury.
"The Tinman is a very important race for me, in my eyes its New Zealand's premier non-drafting Olympic distance triathlon so that really motivates me to do well," he said.
"It is also on the legendary Port of Tauranga Half course so it's a great opportunity for me to remind myself of the course which helps my preparation for the Half, which is a key objective this summer."