Sam Appleton confirmed to race Nepean Triathlon

Local triathlete and Ironman 70.3 specialist Sam Appleton is a confirmed starter in the Atmosphere Nepean Triathlon. Sam joins a number of big names like defending champion Aaron Royle and British triathlete Stuart Hayes battling for a total $76,500 prize pool.

An interesting match up between 70.3 specialist Appleton and ITU Olympic distance specialist Royle. With the Nepean Triathlon being a draft free event it may suit Appleton given his favoured 70.3 events are also draft free. However, Royle is focused on  the ITU, draft legal events which the Nepean’s 1km swim, 30km cycle and 10km run is  closely suited to.

However with the 7m draft rule at play there is still plenty of assistance to be held.  Royle is  capable of outputting some big watts. Appleton is riding quicker this year than last but he will need to be on his game to drop Royle and Hayes. Both Royle and Appleton put some decent time in to the field in 2013. They did have the Kiwi Tom Davidson charge through the field and push the pace at the front. The chase pack wasn’t quite as organised also.

In 2013 Appleton ran 1:01 slower than Royle (32:16 vs 31:15). Will he be able to put over a minute in to Royle in 2015?

Only time will tell! It all makes for some exciting racing both amongst the men and women’s fields together with the battle for outright victory between the guys and girls.