The Earshots Challenge Wanaka Cross Triathlon and Duathlon races have been confirmed as part of the Tri NZ Suzuki Series in New Zealand. Both races have also been confirmed as qualifiers for the World Triathlon Multisport Championships, in Townsville, Australia, on August 14-25, 2024.
World Triathlon’s 12-day multisport extravaganza in Townsville will include 19 world championship races across age group, para, junior, U23 and elite categories. Over 300 Kiwis are expected to don the Silver Fern in Townsville with competition during the Tri NZ Suzuki Series likely to be intense, given New Zealand’s proximity to North Queensland.
“Challenge Wanaka is an iconic date on the New Zealand triathlon calendar and having the Suzuki NZ Cross Triathlon Championships and Suzuki NZ Cross Duathlon Championships incorporated just adds more value and significance to an already epic event,” said Tri NZ CEO Pete De Wet.
“The 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships are going to be a fantastic occasion and we anticipate some keen racing in and around the awe-inspiring Glendhu Mountain Bike as our epic age groupers aim for Townsville.”
The Earshots Challenge Wanaka Cross Triathlon and Duathlon will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
The event utilises the waters of Glendhu Bay for a one lap swim leg of 1500m. The bike course then takes athletes for two laps through the Bike Glendhu Bike Park, tackling some Grade 4 tracks, totalling 32km. The finale is 10.5km trail run through more of the Bike Glendhu tracks. The Duathlon uses the same course, but omits the swim.
The Garth Barfoot Aquabike has also been confirmed as a qualifier for the World Triathlon Multisport Championships. Also taking place on February 17, 2024, the event will consist of a 3km swim in Glendhu Bay followed by a 120km road bike.
“It is incredibly exciting to have been chosen as a qualifier for the World Championships again,” said Jane Sharman, Integrity Homes Challenge Wanaka Trust & Event Director.
“There are a lot of incredible mountain bikers in the area and so we are guaranteed a fantastic race with athletes battling it out for a much-coveted spot at the World Champs.”
Integrity Homes Challenge Wanaka Festival events
OSM Challenge Wanaka Multi – October 28, 2023
Wanaka Medical Social Triathlon – February 11, 2024
Integrity Homes Challenge Wanaka Festival – February 15-17, 2024
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Bay to Bay Swim – open to all swimmers
Puzzling World Intermediate Challenge
Mitre 10 Challenge Wanaka Adaptive Triathlon
Mitre 10 Secondary Schools Triathlon
New World Three Parks 3-9-3
Design Windows Twilight Challenge
Friday, February 16, 2024
Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka Triathlon
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Integrity Homes Challenge Wanaka Half
Garth Barfoot Aquabike
Challenge Wanaka Corporate Half Teams
earSHOTS Challenge Wanaka Cross Tri
