Kiwi triathletes Sam Parry (left) and Ben Airey get in a warm-up session at Ahuriri ahead of Napier's big event this weekend. Photo / Paul Taylor
Kiwi triathletes Sam Parry (left) and Ben Airey get in a warm-up session at Ahuriri ahead of Napier's big event this weekend. Photo / Paul Taylor
The finish line is in sight - quite literally.
Barriers are up and the final stretch cordoned off for the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Napier to be staged this weekend at Ahuriri, attracting international Olympians and Olympic hopefuls.
Event director Shanelle Barrett earlier described the occasion as “a big coup for Napier”, with the event doubling as a qualification window for the Paris Olympics in July.
Centred around Napier’s Te Karaka - formerly known as Perfume Point - it’s the only World Cup event to be held in New Zealand and is part of World Triathlon’s annual circuit.
Ahuriri is abuzz with triathlon fever ahead of this weekend's World Triathlon Cup. Photo / Paul Taylor
A Napier World Cup Triathlon spokesperson said one of the highlights was a very strong women’s field, with US’s Gina Sereno headlining the 40-deep Elite Women’s field.
In the Elite Men’s event New Zealand’s Olympic medallist and number-two ranked in the world, Hayden Wilde, will take centre stage and wear number one in Saturday’s World Cup season opener in Napier, New Zealand. Wilde’s a firm favourite to not only claim victory but also to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Kiwi athlete Hayden Wilde is a firm favourite in Napier this weekend. Photo / Photosport
MetService is predicting temperatures in the mid-20s for both days, with the possibility of heavy rain developing on Sunday afternoon.
