Napier is all set to host the New Zealand leg of the World Triathlon Cup this weekend, drawing international athletes and Olympic hopefuls to its scenic shores.
The World Triathlon Cup is a sprint distance triathlon including a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.
Preparations were well underway this afternoon, with the course running through the Napier streets.
Among the contenders is Kiwi Olympian and triathlon sensation, Hayden Wilde, who was taking a relaxed approach as he geared up for the competition.
Wilde, currently the world's second-ranked triathlete, viewed this event as a crucial step in his preparation for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
Wilde told 1News, in the lead-up to the event: "This period has been really nice mentally and relaxing. You don't want to go too hard too early — you want to peak for July. It's been a nice build, and this is my last stint here in New Zealand before heading off to Europe."
Wilde, known for his prowess on the bike and run, expressed his focus on improving his swimming skills during the upcoming training block in France where he would do "a three-week training camp with pure swimmers".
"You can't win the race in the swim. But you can definitely lose it," he said.
The international flavour of the event wa evident with athletes such as Donald Hillebreght from the Netherlands and Valerie Barthelemy, a bronze medalist from Belgium, expressing their excitement about racing in New Zealand.
Hillebreght noted: "When I heard the World Cup was here in New Zealand, I was happy. The scenery makes it better, and I like it here."
"The culture here in New Zealand takes adventure racing to another level; it's quite outdoorsy," Barthelemy added,
As the athletes gear up for the sprint-distance triathlon, Wilde, the Tokyo Bronze medalist, maintains a relaxed mindset.
"I got here a week in advance, and my pre-race ritual is some casual cornflakes. It's light, lots of carbs. Went to the local vineyards to check out the wine scenery; it was good fun. It's such a relaxing place here, the perfect spot for me to be in a good zone," he said.
"Balancing those things prepares you for what's to come in July," he added.
With the stunning backdrop of Napier, the World Triathlon Cup promises an exciting weekend of intense competition, setting the stage for an exhilarating start to the new season.
SHARE ME