Local talent set to challenge for Open title

22 March 2010    Local talent set to challenge for Open title

Sunshine Coast locals Adam Fitzakerley and Tim George are looking forward to the challenge of taking on all comers for the hotly contested Northside Party Hire Open Elite Triathlon on Sunday 28 March 2010.

The event made up of a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run will be the first wave to get underway on Sunday as a record field of 5500 triathletes take to the water for the 18th running of this iconic event that continues to grow in stature and numbers each year.

29-year-old Fitzakerley will certainly have the experience over the young challengers and hometown advantage, but knows he will need more than that to hold a strong Mooloolaba field at bay in his bid to claim the title.

Juggling a full time job and training hasn’t hindered Fitzakerleys preparation as he balances running his Cafe, Froffas at Mooloolaba and hectic training and racing schedule.

“I’ve kind of been building up for this race, fitting in training around work and a few little lead up races. It’s all going well and I’m in good form for the race,” said Fitzakerley.

The surf swim will be one of the keys to his race place.

“I practice in those conditions every day and a good swim will set me up to get out with the lead group on the bike and work hard to establish a break instead of the usual big pack.

“I’m confident on that run course, it’s my strength. I’ll work the hills to my advantage, being a small build I don’t have much weight to carry round,” he added.

Alexandra Headlands Tim George will also be gunning for the local victory and will need to make a break on the bike to ensure he puts himself in the best possible position going into the final 10km run.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to get in the lead group on the bike to put myself in with a chance on the run leg. It is definitely a plus to train over this course,” said George.

The main challenges will come from young guns, Gold Coaster Drew Viles who just took out the Australian Junior Triathlon Series. Viles has recorded his best season yet winning the series and notching up wins at the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series at Robina. However, his disappointing result at the Oceania Championships in Wellington last week will spur him on to produce something better at Mooloolaba.

West Australian Michael Lori, who has relocated to Brisbane to train will also be a hot contender. Lori finished second in the Australian Junior Series and raced well in Wellington to finish third.

Another local hope is Carrie Lester who is still racing against the clock to recover in time and start on Sunday after competing in the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon's 223kms where she finished a creditable fifth amongst a world class field.

New South Wales duo Amy Roberts and Melissa Vandewater are sure to be among the medals.

Race organisers also wish to advise that they are closely monitoring weather conditions should it be necessary to move the swim leg to the river.

The current long range weather forecast predicts mostly fine on Friday and Saturday with showers on Sunday and temperatures between 28-29 degrees.

Should it be necessary to move the swim leg of the triathlon USM EVENTS will issue a statement on Friday 26 March.

Racing gets underway on Sunday from 6.15am.