Posted: July 21, 2004

Triathlon: Gloria Jean’s Coffees 2004 NT Long Course Triathlon Championships

Perfect weather conditions are expected for the Gloria Jean’s Coffees 2004 NT Long Course Triathlon Championships (2Km Swim / 60Km Cycle / 16Km Run) which will take place at Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort, some 80kms “down the track” from Darwin in the Northern Territory on Sunday 25 July 2004.

All states and territories except Tasmania are represented in the field, which will have the honor of contesting the race over a new NT championship course. With Darwin experiencing peak tourist numbers in the Dry together with increased 4wd traffic, volunteer organizers opted for the quieter surrounds of the Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort, which is considered a “must do” tough course by local Darwin Triathlon Club members. The early morning tranquility of the lake will be disturbed during the 2km freshwater swim which will be watched over by resident eagles whose famous nest can be seen in a dead tree in the lake.

The four-lap 60km bike course covers some testing hills, which will spread the field early if athletes go out too hard. Athletes will also need to be on the look out for kangaroos, wild pigs and snakes, which all inhabit the area and are regularly sighted.

The run will be the “tame” section in the wildlife area, taking competitors through roads bordered by bushland beside the lake for 4 laps. A horde of Darwin volunteers and cheer squads will make the event memorable for the many interstate competitors and their supporters.

Defending champion, Tim Ellison of Darwin will be back to attempt two titles in a row (a feat last repeated by Tom Tindal, title holder in 1993, 1994 and 1995), Scott Foreman of Victoria second to Ellison in 2003 at Katherine Gorge is returning to seek revenge on the Lake Bennett course. They will be joined by 2001 champion Richard Armstrong (Qld), Matt Stephens (SA) and Darren Franken (Vic) as favorites and racing is expected to be extremely close.

The female field is minus 2003 Champion Cristy Henderson who is out injured. SA’s Danielle Stephens, Kristy Murphy (Qld) and Melissa Curry (NT) are expected to be in contention for the title.

For more information on the GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEES 2004 NT LONG COURSE TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS, visit Triathlon Association of Northern Territory or call 08 8985 6883.