Ferguson, Dixon in triathlon

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 36

Ferguson, Dixon in triathlon

NZPA staff correspondent Wellington

A top international field, which includes three New Zealand Olympic representatives, will compete in the $lOO,OOO Steinlager International Triathlon at Otaki over the week-end.

The triple Olympic canoeing gold medallist, lan Ferguson, the 1983 New York marathon winner, Rod Dixon, and , the cycling sprint champion, Graeme Miller, have teamed up in the hope of setting a new record and grabbing a purse worth $50,000.

Last year the winning three-man team posted a time of Ihr 47min. This year Ferguson, Dixon and Miller will be aiming to finish under 1:43 to take away the $50,000.

Ferguson has been planning an assault on the $50,000 team event for some time, and has interrupted his training fbr the kayak racing season'. The challenge by the three star athletes was confirmed only this week, when Ferguson was able to persuade Rod Dixon to postpone a running trip to America.

Ferguson’s kayak partner and Olympic canoeing gold medallist, Paul McDonald, was also to have taken part in the triathlon but has

pulled out because of prior commitments to the $20,000 Fosters Ironman triaquathon in Sydney tomorrow:

The British triathlon champion, Peter Moysey, will also be there, along with last year’s men’s individual winner, Roger Nevatt. , Nevatt recorded 1:58.49 to defeat Tony Zerbst, of Australia, who was previously unbeaten in 50 triathlons. The triathlon consists of a 26km cycle race around a three-lap course, followed by a 4.Bkm run, then a 7km canoe race on a lake, and a final 6.2 km run.

Sponsorship money this year has been lifted over all to almost $130,000. $lOO,OOO of the prize money will be offered by way of incentive bonuses. There is $30,000 for anyone who can complete the individual course in under Ihr 55min. The bonuses have attracted many wonien competitors, with $lO,OOO going to women who can beat 2hr lOmin, and $10,000: going to the women’s team that beats 2hr.

Last year’s women’s winner, Sandra Fletcher, recorded 2:16:8. There are 18 women in the individual section, and about 10 women’s: teams and some mixed teams.