FREE TRIAL OFFER for Tri-Update Readers Only

Send a stamped, self-addressed A4 envelope to 18 B Albert Street, Hamilton
and you will receive a complimentary copy of the current issue of TDM
Magazine (Issue 9 - April) - NZ's only monthly triathlon, duathlon, and
multisport magazine.  Hurry because copies are strictly limited.

Kind regards,
Jason Pope,
TDM Magazine editor
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DUATHLON CHAMPS UPDATE AND TRAVEL OPTIONS

1999 Duathlon National Championships - Motueka, Nelson, May 8th.

Entry forms were posted to all members with the TriNZ newsletter on 24.3.99.

The championships will be conducted as one race with the non-drafting rule
applying.

A check with Origin Pacific Airways shows as at 24.3.99 there were some
really good fares available ex Auckland. (Some at $129 each way and more at
$159)  This Nelson based airline also flies Wellington, Palmerston North and
Christchurch.
Call them 0800 302 302 or visit their web site: www.originpacific.co.nz
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MINOLTA IRONMAN - BALANCE HEADS THE KIWI INVASION

Is this revenge for the All Blacks? One of New Zealand's top Ironman
competitors will complete the list of 54 elite triathletes heading the 1278
strong field in the 1999 Minolta Ironman Australian Triathlon.

Scott Ballance has been a stalwart of the New Zealand triathlon scene for
eons and was the second New Zealander home in Taupo with a strong race.
Balance however believes he can run even stronger with the race hardening of
Ironman New Zealand behind him. Twenty-four other New Zealander Ironman age
group triathletes will join Ballance in their attack on the Australian and
International field!

Ballance has a star studded cast to deal with including reigning World
Champion, Peter Reid.

Karen Mills after her debut Ironman 2nd placing in Taupo had gained a start
for Australia but has now decided not to race.
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THANK YOU
A warm thank you to those people making a contribution to Tri Updates.  Your
support helps make it possible to continue this service
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HIGH FLYING KIWI TRIATHLETE - in more ways than one

Air New Zealand passengers this month have been able to read a great profile
on Hamish Carter in the inflight magazine.  The story covers Hamish's build
up towards Sydney 2000.  It is interesting to read the importance Hamish
places on mental as well as physical preparation.
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ROYAL OAK LAKE HAYES EASTER TRI
For over 15 years the Lake Hayes , Queenstown triathlons have been run every
Xmas and every Easter.  These may well be the longest continuously running
triathlons in New Zealand.  Interesting Tom Pryde ( Tri NZ Vice President)
has been the race director for all these years.

The Sprint Distance event kicks off at 1.00pm on Good Friday - April 2nd.  A
nice relaxed start time for what is always a well run event with a very
relaxed atmosphere.
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DUATHLON BUILD UP EVENT

The Manawatu Triathlon Club offer three distances in their April 4th
Duathlon: 

Short        1.5 /  6 / 1.5
Long         3.5 / 21 / 3.5
Extra Long     7 / 30 / 3.5

The extra long option has been added at the request of athletes looking for
a suitable build up to Duathlon Nationals.

All three races start at 9.30am from the LIDO Aquatic Centre in Palmerston
North.  An $8.00 entry fee with spot prizes to be awarded represents good
value for money.
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THE FORMULA 1 FINALE: WATSON FIFTH OVER SERIES

Queensland's Brad Beven proved once and for all that he is the undisputed
"King" of F1 Triathlon with a sixth straight series victory. He won the
final round of the 1999 St.George F1 Series at Sydney's Manly Beach on
Saturday, and Nicole Hackett took out the final round as well to take the
women's overall title.

There were three different winners in the men's Eliminator event: First,
Courtney Atkinson won Race 1, followed by a delighted Chippy Slater
recording his first victory in six years of F1 racing in Race 2. But that
man Beven could not be stopped in the final race.

Despite an early break by Atkinson in the final race, constant pressure from
Rehula and Stewart and Marc Lees charging to the lead on the final stages on
the run, Beven came from behind to grab victory in a sprint finish with
Lees. That wrapped up the series in front of one of the biggest crowds ever
seen in the history of F1 racing - more than 20,000.

"I was feeling tired all day, especially wading in and out of the surf six
times, but I got off the bike in the final race and felt all fired up,"
Beven said.
For the women, two-time world junior champion Hackett completed a five-year
apprenticeship in the F1 series. Her overall title marks her arrival as a
rising star in the world of women's triathlon.

Hackett's superior surf and swimming skills in the second race of the
Eliminator format gave her the edge over close friend Loretta Harrop. It was
also good enough to clinch the race and the series, ending Jackie
Gallagher's three-year reign. Gallagher had a solid finish to the series
placing third in the final round.

Hackett is only the third F1 series winner, joining Michellie Jones and
Gallagher. She now must be a considered a serious contender for Australia's
three elusive Olympic berths in 2000.

Final Series Standings (Men's Top 5)
1. Brad Beven (Queensland),        85 points
2. Jan Rehula (CZE),               75
3. Miles Stewart (Queensland),     73
4. Courtney Atkinson (Queensland), 67
5. Craig Watson (NZL),             60

Final Series Standings (Women's Top 5)
1. Nicole Hackett (NSW),           85 points
2. Loretta Harrop (Queensland),    79
3. Barb Lindquist (USA),           73
4. Jackie Gallagher (Queensland),  72
5. Joanne King (Victoria),         58
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability; it was my
mental ability."
Bruce Jenner
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