RACING FOR HIS HOME TOWN

TOWNSVILLE triathlete Connor McKay is competing for hometown pride in this weekend’s Townsville Triathlon Festival.

The final year physiotherapy student is on the verge of turning professional and is using tomorrow’s Olympic distance triathlon as preparation for the upcoming Sunshine Coast half marathon.

But far from treating tomorrow’s triathlon as a mere warm- up, McKay – as Townsville Triathlon ambassador – says the onus is on him to help show what Townsville triathletes are made of.

McKay will compete in a festival that this year has attracted more than 2000 athletes competing in 11 separate events including the team, corporate and kids triathlons.

The Olympic distance, which is expected to feature a record field of more than 500 competitors, will also act as a World Age Group qualifier.

“For me it’s a very important race,” McKay said. “I’m a local and I think there’s a desire to show how good us Townsville competitors are.

“There’s a few pros from down south and a couple of internationals competing, so the goal is to stick with them and really give them a run for their money.

“But there’s athletes from Towns- ville and Ingham who push me as well.”

McKay, 20, is already an experienced competitor on the domestic triathlon circuit and last year scored his first Julia Creek Dirt ‘ n’ Dust win.

He has also competed in the World Triathlon Championships in London and Canada, and just recently qualified for his professional licence.

“I have about a month before I finish my degree and I’ll also be looking for a job, and once that’s sorted I should be ready,” McKay said. “I really enjoy my physio studies and it helps me out 100 per cent. “It’s also great for networking.” Professional triathletes taking part in the Olympic distance include New Zealand’s Adam Gordon and will really rising Queensland talent Max Neumann.

The Townsville Triathlon Festival kicks off today with race pack collection and late registrations, followed by a Dinner with the Stars featuring Cowboys co- captain Johnathan Thurston and former Australian Test cricketer Andrew Symonds. Other events across the weekend include Sunday’s ocean swim, elite mile, corporate teams race and team relay.

The Olympic distance triathlon starts tomorrow from 7.15am, with events running throughout the day.

Sunday’s action begins at 7am with the elite mile.

Registrations for events can still be made at townsvilletrifestival. org. au