World Champion To Compete At Leppin Sport Auckland Half Ironman

Two-time World Duathlon Champion and professional triathlete Paul Amey has confirmed he will take the start in just under a fortnight’s time at the 6th Leppin Sport Auckland Half Ironman.

Amey’s inclusion in an already strong men’s field will also see at least five of the top ten finishers from the Port of Tauranga Half in January come north to compete over the Half Ironman distance, starting at Maraetai Beach and finishing some four hours later on the shores of Kawakawa Bay.

Celia Kuch will head the women’s field, and having taken second place for the last two years – including the closest ever women’s finish over the final few metres in 2007 – Kuch will be looking to go one better in 2009.

Entries are tracking well ahead of the 2008 event, with the website close to overload at times over the weekend, and a record field is expected next weekend. Online entries are only open for a few more days, so competitors are advised to enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

For those not quite in shape for a Half Ironman, don’t forget the Short Course Tri (Swim 1km, Cycle 30km, Run 7km) which also covers parts of the Half Ironman course and offers a real taste of what the longer course competitors are in for.

Bike support will once again be provided by iBike in Parnell, who are also hosting the registration on the Thursday and Friday prior to the event. The guys from iBike will be providing bike support on the day, and thanks also to Orca for their support on the swim leg once again this year.

For more information and to enter, please visit www.aucklandhalf.co.nz