E-bikes for triathlon
Starting out in 1983, the Ka¯ piti Women’s Triathlon has been constantly evolving, this year keeping up with the trends by introducing an e-bike category.
Started by Jan Nisbet, the first event had around 300 people participate with the event having since doubled in number. Former Olympian Evelyn Williamson came on board in 2008 as event director after a couple of years shadowing Jan.
Taking over in 2008, Evelyn was asked because of her elite triathlon experience along with her local knowledge.
With the event growing since its early days the committee has been determined to keep the event a community event.
“While compliance is heavy with lots of council departments now involved for things such as road closures, we try to keep it all within the community.
“We have groups from around the community, scouts, guides, women from the Ka¯ piti Women’s Centre doing race packs and more. We always want it to be a grass roots event.”
Evelyn also has vast event management experience running an events company.
“It’s up there with one of the best events in New Zealand. Everything new thing we do with our events we also bring to the triathlon.
“We’ve always got the participant experience at heart.”
The event is ideal for first-time entrants with an e-bike category this year and duathlon and team categories for people who don’t want to do one of the disciplines.
“It’s not an intimidating event. “We’re all about first time entrants — there’s an option for everyone.”
The triathlon is on February 23. Register before February 16, late entries until February 19 if places available.