While Wanaka next Saturday is dominated by the Integrity Homes Challenge Wanaka – where a superb pro field will start alongside thousands of Age Group athletes – the triathlon weekend kicks off this Friday (local time) with the Oceania Triathlon Cup Wanaka. Over the Sprint Distance, some of the world’s best short distance athletes will compete.
In the men’s race, New Zealander Dylan McCullough will start with bib number 1 and most likely is seen as the biggest favorite, while bib number 2 will be used by his compatriot Janus Staufenberg. In the year when Olympic qualifying points are almost a matter of life and death, men from all over the world are at the start in Wanaka, with names like Alessio Crociani, Saxon Morgan, Chris Deegan, Martin Demuth, Itamar Eshed and Donald Hillebregt. A total of 48 men are racing the Oceania Triathlon Cup Wanaka.
In the women’s race, the biggest favorites appear to be Australia’s Emma Jeffcoat, while Italy’s Ilaria Zane and Belgium’s Valerie Barthelemy also can be counted as some of the biggest names. Eyes are undoubtedly on Belgian Hanne de Vet as well. In addition, with Zuzana Michalickova, Brea Roderick, Ellie Hoitink, Olivia Thornbury, numerous other top women are at the start of the Oceania Triathlon Cup Wanaka. A total of thirty women will compete in this race.
