Plenty of reasons to push beyond the limit

THERE are many reasons why more than 300 participants will be tackling the Freycinet Challenge this weekend, which starts today on the Freycinet Peninsula.

The gruelling two-day multisport challenge, which involves a 25.5km run, 20km paddle, 80km road bike and 40km mountain bike leg, will have individuals competing to be the Australian Multisport Champion, work teams lining up to encourage a positive workplace and partners who have been competing together for more than 10 years building their friendships.

Alex Hunt, who has returned recently from racing in China, will be striving for his fifth win of the challenge but is to overcome some tough opposition including his younger brother Robbie.

The Hunt brothers’ friend Wendy Alpine is coming from Melbourne to tackle the event and is the only woman competing in the individual race.

“It will be a tough event but it will be a great way to see the scenery and explore Tasmania,” Alpine said. “I love travelling and discovering different areas so I thought this would be a good way to do that and challenge myself.”

Apline, 38, works in Melbourne with the government and local council, but has been taking time out of her busy schedule and heading to Torquay to prepare for this weekend’s event.

“I was a triathlete for 20 years doing everything from the sprint distance to ironwomen events,” Alpine said. “My aim is to get through it and finish it. “I’m not too familiar with the paddle and have only just started training with the mountain bike.

“It will be a good challenge to push through those legs.”

Georgia Nesbitt won’t defend her title after being the first woman to cross the line last year. She is focusing on her national rowing commitments in the lead-up to the 2020 Olympics.