Posted: October 13, 2004

Triathlon: Mottram Ready For Noosa Triathlon Challenge

Craig Mottram, Australia's best middle distance runner will return to Noosa to take part in the 2004 Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival. The surprise is that he will not take part in the New Balance Bolt that he has won for the past three years but has opted to race in the triathlon on Sunday 7 November.

The enormously talented Mottram will join approximately 5,000 other triathlete's taking up the challenge at this year's triathlon which will see them tackle a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle followed by a 10km run.

Few know that the boy from Geelong was as a former national school boy triathlon champion in 1998 while in year 12 at Geelong Grammar.

"I got started in triathlon when I was 13 and competed for six years. I got into it following knee surgery, when the doctors told me swimming and cycling was the best way to stay fit while recovering."

When asked which came first, running or triathlon? Craig replied. "I ran for 3 years at a national junior level before taking up triathlon. I believe they both compliment each other and I attribute a lot of my running success to the overall fitness I gained doing triathlon."

Craig has been back training with former professional triathlete turned coach, Greg Stewart and is well into his six week training stint.

"Craig used to be a bit of a lazy trainer in those early years, he'd sit out the back when we did our runs and didn't extend himself that much, but would come out and run 14 minutes for a 5000m time trial," said Stewart.

"We'll slowly build into his program and concentrate on good quality work, he's got a great fitness base so the work won't worry him and while I won't make wild predictions about his performance, he's no mug and a real thoroughbred and I'm sure he'll surprise a few, added Stewart."

Ironically Mottram says his favourite leg is the bike. "I like all the equipment; however this is probably my weakest leg."

While Greg Stewart will guide Craig with the finer points of triathlon during his preparation, Mottram still remains firmly entrenched with internationally renowned coach Nic Bideau.

Mottram is not putting any pressure on himself and modest in his expectations.

"I'll have to wait and see how quickly things come back to me. The guys doing the race are world class at what they do and I can't really expect to come in off 6 weeks build up in training and beat them. I will however do my best and I'm sure I'll beat some."

The interest will be how he matches up against three time Noosa Triathlon Champion, Craig Walton's time of 1:44:50 recorded last year. Walton will be looking for his third successive win here and fourth Noosa title.

"I love the whole weekend. Catching up with people I competed against and enjoying the lifestyle up there. I'm looking forward to the challenge but not expecting any thing special, I just want to do the event and challenge myself."

The 2004 Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival features some of the world's best swimmers, cyclists, runners, surf ironmen and women, volleyballers and of course triathlete's along with sporting legends and celebrities.

8 days, 13 sporting events, 10 social activities - as much fun as you can handle.

Entries available www.usmevents.com.au or for further information phone (07) 5449 0711.