This weekend might well see one of the more difficult races to predict in the 27-year history of the Sovereign Tinman, with the women's standard distance podium beckoning to any number of well proven age group performers.
The absence of a full field of 'elite' names on the start list (entries remain open until race day morning however) means if not the title, then certainly spots on the podium may well go to one of many proven age group performers, elevating them into the limelight alongside a long and illustrious list of former winners.
Event Director Stuart Dwight says it is a great opportunity for any number of deserving athletes.
"Our age group community is amongst the hardest working in any sport in the world I reckon, they balance a busy work life with training and for many their families have to fit in there somewhere - you might have to ask them what the order of those three is sometimes!
"While we would love to see more elites on the start line, the timing means that many are either in their off-season or have not long since started a heavy training workload looking ahead to 2016, so the chance is there for others to grab a bit of time in the spotlight, and deservedly so."
31-year-old Pip Meo stands out as the obvious race favourite. Having recently made the decision to take on the sport as a pro, Meo comes to Sovereign Tinman on the back of a solid start to her season, finishing 3rd overall at the opening Villa Maria Duathlon event a fortnight ago.
"I had my first professional race in September in Australia over a half, but am coming into Sovereign Tinman as my first New Zealand race over the summer, and I am hoping for my best result yet here.
"My commitment is strong to give the sport a fulltime go. I have a new swim coach - Sandra Bray (former Olympian Kent Bray's mum), which is a big deal for me as I only learned to swim about five years ago and as you go further up in levels you realise every second counts so I have invested plenty of time in my swimming. Through winter training I have spent more time with my coach Murray Healey in Whangarei (former coach of Sam Warriner), I made a point of spending more time with him this year, going up for bike and skill and technique sessions."
Indeed Meo is familiar with Warriner's story, someone like Meo who came to the sport relatively late, and excelled as an age grouper before turning pro, a story the Aucklander would love to emulate.
"I am definitely inspired by Sam, I was with the New Zealand soccer team when I first saw Sam compete, I looked at her story and 100% I was and continue to be inspired by what she has done."
Meo has no problems with being amongst the favourites on Sunday, in fact she had no idea that was the case.
"I never look at start lists, the race is not about anyone else, it is what I am doing, most important for me is to execute all the processes on the day. This is the same event as my first ever triathlon about four of five years ago, I came home about 60th swimming backstroke to survive, then it was all about finishing and not coming last!"
This weekend it would seem Meo has a far greater chance of finishing at the opposite end of the field as she continues her foray in a fulltime commitment to the sport of triathlon.
The day won't be completely bereft of elite athletes from the Tri NZ HP team though, Simone Ackermann will be on site in an ambassadorial role to sign autographs, take photographs, offer tips and advice and just have a chat with anyone.
As always with the Sovereign Tri Series, there's a race available for anyone - no matter what age or ability. Get the kids involved in the Splash 'n' Dash for 5-10 year olds or for first timers the Short Distance race is perfect.
The Standard Distance race is also the North Island Championships.
The Jennian Homes New Zealand Aquathlon Championships take place at Pilot Bay on the same weekend, with racing set for Saturday morning as either a stand-alone event, or a nice preparation for Sunday's Sovereign Tinman event. The race is for all ages 11 years and over, and is also a selection event for next year's Aquathlon World Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.
There's still time to sign up online at www.triseries.kiwi and entries are also accepted on the day.
Sovereign Tri Series, Tinman
Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui
