Pick in sprints

Top local triathlete Kelly Pick is heading off to New Zealand again to compete at the New Zealand national sprints triathlon in Taupo on Waitangi Day (February 6).

This is the first time Pick will compete at the national sprints which she says will be a short and fast course.

The 750m swim leg in Lake Taupo will be followed by a technical 20km cycle ending in an all out 5km sprint in the run leg.

Pick is excited about competing in the short and fast course which will be a huge difference to the marathon Tauranga Half Ironman which she raced in last month.

For Pick, the sprints will be an opportunity for her to test her skills against some of the best triathletes in what is only her third triathlon season.

The national sprints in Taupo is a triathlon festival with a number of course distances for all triathletes of all ages and skill levels.

The race is sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union where Pick can earn points that will eventually make up her world ranking and attract potential sponsors and funds.

But gaining more experience in triathlon is Pick’s ultimate goal for the forthcoming race.

“The course is going to be different and dynamic – from a cold swim leg in the lake to a technical cycle leg with corners and hills and what is basically going to be a sprint finish,” says Pick.

“And racing with top girls of high calibre will be a privilege.”

Pick adds that racing a triathlon is the easy part.

“It’s the months of training and sacrifice that’s tough,” says Pick who hasn’t stopped training and racing for the sport she is passionate about. - MW