Race on in Douglas

THE Far North has secured another major sporting coup with the region set to host the first trans-Tasman triathlon events on Australian soil since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The traditional rivalry will be reignited when Olympic triathlon hopefuls battle it out over two Oceania Championship and Cup events in Port Douglas this June.

Australia and New Zealand’s top athletes will gather in the resort town for two world-class events, which will also be the first trans-Tasman triathlon events in Australia since COVID-19 stopped international racing in March 2020.

The 2021 Oceania Standard Distance Championship will be held on Saturday, June 12, and the 2021 Oceania Sprint Cup on Saturday, June 26.

The races provide athletes a valuable chance to test their skills under hot, humid conditions, mimicking those expected in Tokyo in July.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the events would showcase Port Douglas as a destination for major events and sports tourism.

“Our tropical climate offers a realistic simulation of the conditions for the competition in Tokyo. Add the beauty of Port Douglas, and the wonderful spirit of our community, and we have a very appealing environment for world-class athletes to compete,” he said.

“We hope this event will demonstrate how well positioned we are to host largescale events in our region.”

The Green and Gold will take on the Kiwis in a 40km and 20km cycle along sections of Port Douglas Rd, Davidson

St and Garrick St. Sections of the roads will be temporarily closed with diversions in place to ensure residents and visitors can travel in and out of town.

Four Mile Beach will play host to the 1.5km and 750m swimming legs, while Macrossan St will allow onlookers to be close to the action and cheer on our national stars as they run down the main strip.

The Oceania Championship Standard Distance Championship also offers a final chance to gain Olympic qualification points before qualification period ends on June 14.

Triathlon Australia’s national performance director Justin Drew said Port Douglas provided an excellent racing opportunity ahead of Tokyo.

“We’re excited … to compete against a strong international competitor like New Zealand in Australia,” he said.

Triathlon New Zealand CEO Claire Beard said the team was looking forward to competing in Australia.

“We are thrilled that our athletes can travel to compete at the Standard Oceania Champs and Sprint Cup at Port Douglas,” she said.