Gatorade Queensland Tri Series Round 4 prepares for action

U23 World Champion Emma Jackson will kick start her 2011 campaign this weekend at round 4 of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series at Robina as she prepares her for the domestic season and the first elite race of 2011 at the Seven Caloundra Enduro Tri in the next round of this series at Caloundra on February 6.

The world champion finally took a well earned break after the Noosa Triathlon in November after the longest season of her young career but now back into training in preparation for the 2011 season is keen to get some racing back under her belt.

“It’s been over 2 months since Noosa and I’m looking forward to racing again. I’ve always competed in the Gatorade races and will continue too when they don’t clash with any other big event.”

Race 4 will be held over the internationally recognised sprint distance format (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run) and once again the Series is proving to be increasingly popular and a great platform for unveiling new talent in our junior ranks.

Robina is the first race for 2011, and numbers for this popular venue are on target for another big field as competitors get their first chance to race in the New Year.

After the short Christmas break, Series Leader Bryce McMaster will be looking for his third win of the series after claiming victory in the first two rounds and a fifth placing in round three.

Brisbane’s Chris Rawling, who placed third in the last race at Robina, will be hot on the heels of McMaster looking to improve on his podium finish.

Rawling suffered horrific injuries two years ago when stuck by a mountain bike during the Airlie Beach Triathlon and has fought his way back from injury.

“It’s just so good to be back racing, it’s taken a long time but I’m slowly getting back to my best,” said Rawling on his third place at Race 2 in Raby Bay.

Race 4 will also see 2009/10 Series Winner Ben Holland return with his first race in this series where he will no doubt be looking to kick start the year with a win.

Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast’s Brigitte Fisher (2009/10 Series Winner) and Brisbane’s Bonnie Atherton, who placed 3rd at Robina in Race 2 will be vying for top spot over the sprint distance course.

It’s not all about the Open competition; the series caters for all levels of entrants and offers two distance’s for competitors aged 13 to 80+ and one for especially for kids.

With categories like Mates Wave, Clydesdales, First Timers as part of The Courier-Mail Kool Kids, teams and the Enticer distance for newcomers it is little wonder this sport has taken off, giving everyone a chance to experience the thrill of this swim, bike and run phenomenon.

So tell a friend about triathlon or entice them down to watch you compete “they may just end up getting the bug.

Race 4 Distances:

QTS                                                                                                                                       750 m swim | 20km cycle | 5km run

Enticer                                                                                                                           300m swim |   10km cycle | 2.5km run

The Courier-Mail Kool Kids                                             100m swim |   2km cycle | 400m run

Start:

6.45am                                                                                                                         The Courier-Mail Kool Kids

7.00am                                                                                                                         Enticer

7.50am                                                                                                                         Gatorade QTS

Venue:

Corner Robina Parkway & Boowaggan Rd, Gold Coast

Next Races:

Race 5
Race 6
Race 7
 Caloundra
Raby Bay
Gold Coast
 Sunday February 6, 2011
Sunday February 27, 2011
1 May, 2011
SERIES GRAND FINAL – Gold Coast Tri, Luke Harrop Memorial