Elite Age Groupers set to go
The 2XU Australian Junior Triathlon Series race is part of an action-packed weekend in the ACT courtesy of the Canberra Capital Triathlon, for which hundreds of age group athletes will converge on Sunday for the Australian Olympic Distance Championships.
With the elite junior race also doubling as a selection race for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August, New Zealand has sent a squad of 21 athletes to compete among more than 100 in male and female races that have also attracted entries from Japan, the Netherlands, Israel and Ireland. This will be hotly contested among eligible athletes (those aged 17 or 18), given there is just one Oceania spot open for a male and female to compete at the Youth Olympics.
Aside from this, the race is also the opening selection race to make the Australian team for the 2010 ITU World Championships in Budapest in September. The Kiwis can have an impact on this as well, with automatic selection only granted if an Australian wins the race outright.
National Talent and Development Manager Craig Redman said the impressive fields meant athletes could take nothing for granted during the 750-metre swim, 20km ride and 5km run.
“There is a lot at stake in this event given the depth of the fields and tough selection criteria for major international events, so it will be a good test for our leading junior triathletes,” he said.
“Ashleigh Gentle and Holly Aitken have the credentials to set the pace if they’re on song, while the likes of Courtney Dutton and Ellie Salthouse will also be in the mix. In the men’s race, while Drew Viles has shown great early season form, any number of guys could challenge including Luke Geelan, Simon Carey, Jack Hickey and New Zealand’s Edward Rawles. There’s also a good local hope, with the ACT’s Michael Gosman eligible for the Youth Olympics.”
The Canberra Capital Triathlon has attracted more than 700 children, novice competitors, ITU juniors and age group athletes in what is a significant weekend of racing for many triathletes. The Australian Age Group Olympic Distance Championships carries double qualifying points for the World Championships in Budapest and automatic selection for eligible place-getters.
Note: Due to water conditions in Lake Burley Griffin, the race has been moved from its original site at Commonwealth Park to the West Basin on Parkes Way. The bike course remains the same, with changes to the swim and run. Visit www.triathlonact.com.au for details.
