New Zealand Triathlon a 'Contact' Sport

Triathlon in New Zealand has been named a 'Contact sport' with Contact Energy announced that it has extended its relationship with Triathlon New Zealand (TriNZ), with the addition of the Contact TriWoman Series and a Contact 1:2:1 Series for children.

As Craig Griffiths, Contact Energy's Sponsorship Manager explained, "we are delighted to be extending our sponsorship to include the Contact TriWoman Series and Contact 1:2:1 event for children.

"Last year, our sponsorship of Triathlon NZ helped to achieve a dramatic increase in the number of people taking part in triathlons, with participation growing by 38% over the previous year.

"We want to continue to provide an opportunity for everyone to take up the triathlon challenge."

The Contact TriWoman Series is being held in 10 locations across New Zealand with the series all about giving it a go in a fun and relaxed environment.

This year children aged between seven and 11 years old are also being encouraged to participate in the Contact 1:2:1, a 100 metre swim, 2 kilometre bike ride and 1 kilometre run which will run alongside four of the seven Contact Tri Series events throughout New Zealand.

The 3:9:3 concept, which is now into its second year, involves a 300 metre swim, 9 kilometre bike ride, and a 3 kilometre run and will be adopted at all seven events across the country. The 3:9:3 events are designed to provide an opportunity for anyone who wants to give the sport a try.

The Contact Trophy Series is also being run this year for individuals wanting to challenge themselves that bit further. Four of the events are standard distance (1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run), two are sprint distance (750 metre swim, 20 kilometre cycle and 5 kilometre run) and one is super sprint which is a unique event (500 metre swim, 16 kilometre cycle and 4 kilometre run) around a closed off circuit in Takapuna.

As principal sponsor of the Contact Tri Series, Contact Energy works in partnership with Tri NZ to help continue to grow the sport and increase participation across all levels.

Contact's sponsorship of Tri NZ was recognised this year when it won the Commercial Partnership Award in SPARCâs 2009 New Zealand Sport and Recreational Sector Awards.

The first of the 3:9:3 and 1:2:1 Contact Tri Series races started at the Blue Lake in Rotorua on 22nd November 2009. The opening round of the Contact TriWoman Series begins in Auckland on 23rd January.

For more information go to www.triathlon.org.nz