Tropical Caribbean paradise Nevis, the ‘Queen of Caribes’ island, played host to the first TriStar race of the year on Saturday 31 March 2012. TriStar 111 and 33.3 individual and relay races returned to the island after an inaugural launch in March 2011.
Designed to offer a destination filled with sports, recreation and fun, TriStar Nevis opened the week with a sold out StarMile, the 2.5 mile channel swim from St Kitts to Nevis. In the days leading up to the swim, professional triathlon coach Shaun Green of UK based Green Coaching worked with athletes during custom training sessions in water and on land to offer participants a better understanding of the challenge to follow on race day.
Mid-week brought the return of the Pink Lily charity 5K, walk/run from Four Seasons Resort to Pinney’s Beach. A jubilant crowd attracted a mix of local Nevisians, resort visitors, cancer supporters and cancer survivors.
“This week, I’ve found Nevis to be one of the friendliest and most supportive communities I’ve ever visited,” said pro athlete John Hirsch. “The Pink Lily 5K gave me and others the opportunity to engage sport with important charity efforts.”
“I participated in the StarMile 2.5 Cross Channel swim on Sunday which was extremely tough but everything worth doing is! It was a good starting point for my personal race preparation and it launched the week of TriStar activities superbly,” said Shaun Green, professional coach. “To have such a good event on the first weekend, activities throughout the week and a choice of race distances the second week, TriStar Nevis is a perfect place to kick start your season.”
TriStar Nevis welcomed athletes from over thirteen countries and an age range of 15 to 79. The roster saw representation from Antigua, Barbados, France, Netherlands, South Africa, UK, US and more. New for 2012, pro athletes compete for a US$10,000 pro cash purse.
Olivier Marceau earned his first place spot at TriStar Nevis 2012, beating his 2011 finish where he took second to Chris McCormack. Amy Kloner won the women’s race.
At a post-race awards presentation, TriStar Race Director, President of the St Kitts/Nevis Triathlon Federation and Press Officer of the Nevis Cycle and Triathlon Club Winston Crooke received special recognition for his support of triathlon on the island.
“Winston Crooke is a genuine ambassador for the sport of triathlon. His has a rich commitment to seeing every individual has the opportunity to train, race and appreciate sports. This dedication is a fibre woven beautifully into the Nevisian community and now, internationally,” said Lindsey Kurhajetz, General Manager Star Events USA.
Officially concluding the TriStar Nevis race week was the PR launch of World by Cycle’s tour across 26 countries in 300 days. Explorer Kristina Stony will be joined by her partner Nic Arny to attempt the fastest world circumnavigation by a female according to Guinness standards. The team launched their cycle tour in conjunction with TriStar Nevis before heading to their second stop in Brazil. Further details at www.worldbycycle.info.
