Triathlon selection events continue
TRAITHLON Zimbabwe national coach Pamela Fulton says they are hopeful of an exciting event tomorrow at Mount Pleasant pool as the youth and junior athletes will be out to accumulate more points ahead of the upcoming tours.
Triathlon Zimbabwe have lined up a full programme for tomorrow with a number of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and aquabike events, as well as a tri-run on offer.
The highlight of the day is the selection event for the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 age categories.
The youths and junior triathletes will be vying for points to make the teams to compete at the South Africa Championships in March and April respectively.
For the youth, the travelling team will be announced early next month and Fulton said tomorrow’s race is key for those that are still to reach the required points.
“With two more selection races remaining for the youth categories, this race will be very important for those athletes who still have a few points to get.
“Rachel O’Donoghue, Olivia Beamish and Bianca van de Linda are very close to reaching their 10 points and therefore being eligible to tour and compete in the Under-15 girls event.
“Daniel Nicholson, Sebastian and John Goddard as well as Seth Cameron are close in the Under-13 boys category, whilst Zander Botha and Mathew Hildebrand are close in the Under-15 boys category.
“The selectors will announce the youth team after the final event on 4 February,” said Fulton.
The juniors still have more races, with the final event set for March 3.
“The juniors still have four more selection races with the final one being 3 March. Here we have a strong field with Rohnan Nicholson, Callum Smith and Stanley Chasakara already very close to qualifying.”
Some of the juniors are preparing for the Junior Africa Cup due to take place on February 17. The event will run concurrently with the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup at the Troutbeck Resort, in Nyanga.
“Our Troutbeck event is our national championships for all categories, so all youth and juniors will hope to bring their top game in order to be crowned national champion.