Triathlon moves to Napier after long stint in New Plymouth

Will Johnston

Photo by: Simon Dawson

After hosting 10 events in New Plymouth, New Zealand’s leg of the World Triathlon Cup has been moved to Napier.

Triathlon New Zealand announced a three-year deal with the Hawke’s Bay city with the first event due to be held on February 24-25 next year.

The event attracts the world’s top triathletes as they compete for Olympic qualification points with next year’s event vital in an Olympic year. New Plymouth first hosted the event in 2005 and provided a big tourism boost to the region. The last event was in March this year after a three-year Covid-enforced break, which was won by Hayden Wilde and Nicole van der Kaay.

Triathlon New Zealand chief executive Pete De Wet said the change of venue for the circuit is part of a wider strategic play to incorporate four new events.

The Triathlon Summer Series will include the World Cup, Oceania Cup in Wanaka, the New Zealand Schools Championships in Tauranga and Oceania Standard Distance Championships also in Napier.

“The decision was taken to consider a new World Cup host city to make the new series work logistically and commercially,” he said.

“The opportunity to partner with Napier City Council for three years was a compelling proposition in both regards.”

De Wet said race and event director Shanelle Barrett of SB Events was instrumental in the success of the Tri Taranaki Festival and World Cup New Plymouth.

“New Plymouth has had a long, storied association with the World Triathlon Cup and Tri NZ and SB Events want to acknowledge the Taranaki Regional Council and wider community for contributing to so many great memories.”

In March, the course was highly thought of by some of the world’s top triathletes. Wilde, Sandra Dodet, Claire Michael and Tyler Mislawchuck all gave the course the thumbs up. It provided a calm swim in Port Taranaki, before using its surrounding streets and the Coastal Walkway for the bike and run legs.

Port Taranaki also provided access to its buildings and closed roads to facilitate the event.

Its general manager, commercial Ross Dingle said the event added great vibrancy to the community while showcasing the region to the world.

“It’s unfortunate Taranaki won’t be hosting for the next three years, but hopefully the World Cup will return to its spiritual home in New Zealand in the future.”

Dingle thanked Barrett and World Triathlon for bringing the event to the region.

Taranaki Triathlon Club president Aaron Wood said not hosting the event will be a loss to the triathlon community.

Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki general manager, destination Brylee Flutey said the impact to the region will be felt with around 350 competitors plus support and ground crews included in previous events.

“It’s been rewarding to watch the event grow and establish and we’re proud to have played a significant role in this,” she said.

“However, we are optimistic about the potential this movement brings to our regular events calendar, as many existing local events have the potential to reach the same level of impact for the community, given the resource and support.”

De Wet said New Plymouth won’t be forgotten and would “love to return” to the course in the future.