The Battle of Taupo Continues

A 27 year battle between two stalwarts of the triathlon community is set to continue this weekend when Ray Litchwark and Steve Currie join hundreds of others on the start line at the Contact Tri Series event at Kinloch.

The difference however between Ray and Steve and the other 700 or so competitors is that they are set to clock up their 28th year having never missed one event in the Taupo triathlon’s long history.

Steve (58) lives in Taupo while Ray (the older of the two in the 65 to 69 age group) these days is domiciled in nearby Rotorua. Their endurance and friendly rivalry is the stuff of legend around Taupo and the central North Island. Both will line up in the race now carrying the name of one of the sport’s greats, in the Erin Baker Trophy Race over the standard distance (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run). They will be in good company with Ironman legends Cameron Brown and Jo Lawn also both on the start line as they prepare for Taupo next month.

Steve still loves going back and after 27 years of participation it’s no wonder why.

“I guess there is some honour in being only one of two people to do all Taupo Triathlons and therefore there is some incentive to keep going. Being a life member and committee member for maybe 15-20 years of Tri Sport Taupo I am always involved in the event so why not do it?

“I love racing and it is good to have a focus in the summer to train for however I cannot devote as much time to training as I would like. My own survey business takes up a lot of time. In recent years I have managed to get by with 4-5 hrs training a week which is enough to finish in comfort but not in style!!”

The Erin Baker Trophy Race (run by the Taupo Tri Club) will kick off the day on Sunday, with over 700 participants in a variety of races from the children’s Contact 1:2:1, the beginners 3:9:3 and the sprint races with national age group and elite titles on the line.

The elite competitors are racing for the added honour of being crowned Oceania Sprint champions, with international fields in both men’s and women’s races including competitors from Europe, Asia and Oceania.

Full details and race schedule can be found at www.triseries.co.nz with entries accepted online and at the race venue on Saturday afternoon.

Tri NZ and the Taupo Tri Club acknowledge the support and cooperation of the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board for providing access to Lake Taupo to hold the event.