Bay triathletes go for Zim podium

Bay triathletes Keegan Cooke and Travis McGrath will be hitting the streets of Zimbabwe as the pair compete at the Bonaqua Troutbeck Triathlon African Cup this weekend.

The pair travelled across the border on Thursday with the aim of acclimatising to conditions ahead of the race on Sunday.

Racing in the men’s elite category, both will be gunning for a podium spot in what is effectively their first race of the season.

Asked how he was feeling ahead of the race, Cooke said: “Race preparation has been pretty solid. I have had a good build-up leading into this race. So I am forward looking to seeing how it goes.”

“I spent two weeks in Cape Town preparing with a good friend Johannes Moldan from Germany (Ironman Pro) we did a lot of biking,” McGrath said.

Cooke said he was excited to get back to racing and hopes all his training pays off as he looks to get his season off to a good start.

“This weekend will be a good test to see where I am in the build-up towards the SA champs in March,” Cooke said.

“I will use this race as a test to see what work needs to be done before the SA champs, but I am still planning to race as hard as I can.”

McGrath said because the

With points awarded going towards their continental and international rankings, both men will be looking for a decent day out

race was being run at altitude, it would give competitors something else to factor into their race plan.

“The race is at 2,300m altitude so us coastal guys will be sucking air. But I had a decent race here last year so all should be good.

“I’m always excited to race and this should be a good indicator of my fitness level before SA Champs next month,” McGrath said.

With points awarded going towards their continental and international World Triathlon Union rankings, both men will be looking for a decent day out.

“I just want to have a good swim and come out with the front pack and then take it from there. There’s no pressure with it being the first race of the year,” McGrath said.

Cooke said: “I am wanting to try the race to the best of my abilities. It’s a strong field racing on Saturday so if I can be among some of the top guys I will be happy with that.”