World Ironman Triathlon silver medallist Cameron Brown has confirmed he will
defend his Ironman New Zealand title in Taupo.

Brown has today signed a three-year agreement with race organisers as the
star billing for the Taupo race on March 2.

The Halberg Awards finallist scored his breakthrough victory over world long
distance champion Peter Sandvang in last year’s Ironman New Zealand before
finishing third in Ironman Germany and culminating with his second placing
in the World Ironman Triathlon championships in Kona, Hawaii in October.
He became the first Kiwi male to gain a podium place at the Ironman World
Championships, following in the footsteps of Erin Baker, who won the women’s
title twice at Kona.

His confirmed entry this week marks a significant breakthrough for the event
with entries topping the 1000-mark for the first time, growing from 650
competitors when the race venue moved from Auckland to Taupo four years ago.
Last year, event managers IMG NZ, Ltd took over ownership from Air New
Zealand and signed a new three-year agreement with Taupo District Council.
``We are thrilled that Cameron has made a commitment to the race for the
next three years,’’ event director Jane Patterson said.

``Since his performance in Kona he has become hot property on the world
Ironman scene, so we are delighted he has remained so loyal to us, Taupo and
his triathlon fans in New Zealand.’’

The terrorist attacks in the United States last year have not dimmed
international travel, with increases from all major overseas groups
including United States, Australia and Asia.

The event has experienced continued growth since the move to the tourist
destination of Taupo, with 65 per cent of competitors coming from overseas.
``We have worked very hard on promoting New Zealand and Taupo, in
particular, as a destination,’’ Patterson said.

``First and foremost we have to organise a great race, and we have a very
good reputation in that respect.

``Since the move to Taupo and the tremendous support from authorities,
volunteers and general public of Taupo, we now have a great place to match
the great race.

``To reach 1000 registrations is a significant breakthrough for us. It is
especially pleasing to continue our steady growth in the light of September
11 and also the advent of six new Ironman races on the world calendar.

``With the support of Tourism New Zealand and Industry New Zealand, we will
continue to drive our international profile. Our research tells us that each
international competitor brings on average two other people with them, and
last year the spend in New Zealand was $16 million.’’

Registrations from the United States has grown to 180 currently compared to
135 last year, with Australians already edging past the 220 from last year,
Japanese at 90 ahead of 76 last year with 35 entered from Korea who did not
have an athlete registered last year.

These are still likely to rise with late registrations open until January
30, with some late entries expected following the decision earlier this week
to postpone next month’s Ironman South Africa race.

The event, incorporating 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km marathon run,
takes place at Taupo on Saturday 2 March.
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Air New Zealand Triathlon Pro Tour
1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Mission Bay, Auckland
Sunday 27th January 2002  7am start

Pro series gets in to gear with round three

Round three of the Air New Zealand Triathlon Pro Tour takes place this
Sunday with an Olympic distance event at Mission Bay.

With race victories going one apiece to Evelyn Williamson and Fiona Docherty
in the women’s competition, along with Nathan Richmond and Bevan Docherty in
the men’s, there is all to race for in this the longest event of the six
race tour.

World Junior Duathlon Champion Terrenzo Bozzone, (who raced the National
schools athletics championships instead of round two) will be a threat to
both Docherty and Richmond for the top spot on the podium.

For most of the competitors this is the last Olympic distance race before
the all important National Championships in Queenstown in several weeks, an
event which doubles as the Commonwealth games selection event.
The action starts at 7am from the Mission Bay waterfront.