Posted: September 8, 2005

Multisport: Australia Takes on The World!

World Duathlon Champions Set for Newcastle September 21 - 25

Newcastle is in final preparations to receive hundreds of elite athletes when they vie for the World Duathlon Championship title in 2 weeks time. Top athletes from over 35 countries will be making their way to Newcastle to race from the 21st to the 25th September. Australia's team of 317 is the largest competing federation, followed by large teams from USA and New Zealand , with Kyrgyzstan, Slovakia and Venezuela having 1 athlete representative.

"Australia has the biggest most competitive team ever, with some great chances to be on the podium during the weekend. We are now ready to hold the biggest international sporting event Newcastle has seen, and the multicultural and economic benefits will be a great reward for the City of Newcastle." says Jenny Mann, event General Manager.

HOT Elite Men's Field

With Triathlon Australia's big guns racing, the elite professional mens race on Sunday 25th September will be HOT! It will pit the strong Aussie team against in-form Europeans. The start list includes Jono Hall (AUS), Simon Thompson (AUS), Greg Bennett (AUS), Craig Alexander (AUS), Tim Don (GBR), and Benny Vansteelant (BEL).

Hall is Australia's top Duathlete and former World Champion, Thompson was victorious at this year's ITU World Cup Mooloolaba, Bennett placed 4th at last year's Athens Olympics, Alexander recently won the lucrative Life Time Fitness Tri, Don is having a solid World Cup season, and do we need to say more about 4 time and current World Duathlon Champion Benny Vansteelant? Come down to Nobbys Beach and see all the action...

NEW Elite Race Start Times

Please be advised that the NEW start times for the elite races on Sunday 25th September are as follows:

Junior elite (16 - 19) Females - 7:00am
Junior elite (19 - 19) Males - 7:05am
Elite Women - 8.30am
Elite U23 Women - 8:35am
Elite Men - 11am
Elite U23 Men - 11:05am

Bike Course Coach Tour

Competitors can undertake an organised Bike Course Coach Tour. Cost of $15 inc GST includes pick-up from your accommodation, overview of the age group and elite bike course with commentary, and places of interest in Newcastle. Tours run from 9.30am-11am and 12.30pm-2pm on Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd September. Spaces are limited, please reserve your seat early. Book through Fisher's at Honeysuckle Phone: 02 4926 2722, Fax: 02 4926 793, Email - fisherjj@bigpond.com.

Competitor Registration

Registration will be located at Panthers Newcastle (King & Union Street). Only competitors or their team manager can register - photo identification (passport or drivers licence) must be presented. Age Group registration is open from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Elite registration is open from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. No late registrations will be permitted. Competitors will be given their accreditation, bib #, bike #, helmet #, transponder, Welcome Meal ticket, Closing Ceremony ticket, and race bag at registration.

Other Snippets

* The Honourable Senator Pia Cayetano will lead the Philippines national team in Newcastle, the country is participating for the first time.

* Our Athlete Handbook is available on our website. It has handy tips, Newcastle information, and important race information.

* Australian Winery Experience and Dolphin Cruise all inclusive $70 day-trips must be pre-booked by 16th Sept. Details under website 'Functions' page.

* For those who love our sport, don't miss the 13th Sparke Helmore NBN Television Triathlon on 19th March 2006. Newcastle's biggest annual triathlon around the Newcastle Foreshore with a 500m swim, 20 km cycle and 5 km run. For race info go to www.sparkeNBNtriathlon.com.au.

* Congrats to local Duathletes - Kristen Molloy (1st female overall) and Brett Hall (5th male overall) who showed great form at The Herald Fun Run. They will both be racing in our Age Group World Champs on Saturday 24th September.

* Our race volunteers make it all happen - make sure you say a huge thanks to them at the events and on race day!