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The Subaru Geelong Olympic Distance Triathlon on Sunday 12 February in Geelong doubles as a qualification race for age group competitors aiming to compete at the ITU Age Group World Championships in New Zealand this October.

 Part of the second annual Geelong Multi Sport Festival, the 1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run offers a challenging and unique race over a fast course taking in some of Geelong’s iconic sights and spectacular waterfront.
 
After a successful debut in 2011, event organisers USM EVENTS are excited to once again bring triathlon and festival events back to the traditional home of triathlon – Geelong.
 
“Geelong offers a world class venue to host what is sure to become another signature triathlon event on our national calendar and provide our age group athletes with an Olympic distance event in their state,” said USM EVENTS CEO Geoff Meyer.
 
The event hosts the first race in the 2012 Australian National Triathlon Championship Series. This is a premier series of races for Triathlon Australia members who aim to become the National Series Champion of each age group.
 
Members accrue points from each race, and the culmination of all points over the 3 races will result in a ranking which decides the Series Champions. Points accrued during the series will also contribute to qualification for the World Championships.
 
Amongst those vying for a spot on the Australian Team, is Geelong local, Adam Beckworth.
 
Beckworth is not new to representing his country, with his best result placing 2nd in the 25-29 age group at the 2005 ITU World Age Group Championship in Honolulu, Hawaii.
 
“I am excited to be racing in my hometown with the swim being my strongest and favourite leg of the course.I want to try and qualify for the World Champs in NZ and use the Geelong race as a lead up to the Australian Age Group Championships in March at Mooloolaba,” said Beckworth.
 
In contrast Emma-Lise Donati is aiming for her first chance to represent Australia. Since her first triathlon Emma hasn’t looked back, trading in her lucrative banking career in 2010 to pursue her passion for coaching and becoming a personal trainer.
 
Emma is currently the reigning Victorian Olympic Distance Champion (25-29) and says the ultimate dream would be to qualify for the World Championships .
 
“I was a spectator of the long course event in 2010 and watching some of our greats namely Crowie (Craig Alexander) crossing the line was the start of setting some big goals for myself.
 
“I tested the course in training last weekend and loved it. I think I’m going to enjoy the run leg especially the flat and slight downhill return to the finish line. In fact both the run and cycle course have some good undulations that should be fun heading back down,” said Donati.
 
The course itself is a major draw-card for the 1000+ competitors with the bike and run legs predominantly flat to rolling, posing an achievable challenge for all levels of triathletes.

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Photo credit: Delly Carr