Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga in NYANGA
ZIMBABWE’S Andie Kuipers says she is up for the challenge as she takes to the course today at the 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multi-Sport Festival at the Troutbeck Resort.
It will be her first continental race this year, and she will be hoping to accumulate points towards her LA28 Olympic Games qualification campaign.
“I don’t really know what to expect yet as it’s my first Continental Cup of the season,” said Kuipers.
But she is confident of the work she has put in preparing for the season.
“I put in quite a lot of training but at the same time it’s so early (in the) season. I am going be racing all the way to November, so I don’t expect to be at my peak performance.
“But obviously I am coming here to get points towards my ranking. I do expect myself to be able to get those points which means I need to be within eight percent of the winner’s time. That’s my goal tomorrow.
“And of course, I am just going to go and do my best and I will be satisfied if I finish and have done my best,” said Kuipers, who is now based in Australia.
Initially the elite women attracted just three participants – Kuipers, Japan’s Himeka Sato and Jule Behrens from Germany.
But Rachel O’Donoghue, who initially entered for the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup moved to the elite women, which means Zimbabwe now has two representatives in that category.
She was the only participant in the junior women.
O’Donoghue said it is an opportunity for her to learn from the experienced athletes.
It is a different scenario, however for the elite men with 17 participants set to the start line.
Noah Künz is excited to making his fourth appearance at Troutbeck.
“I really like the course because it’s not as boring as many of the other races where you just get on the bike and stay in the group and try to make it to the end of the bike to go on the run.
“You need to work the whole time because it’s going uphill, downhill, so you really see a difference on the bike if you are a strong cyclist or you have to fight if you are not,” said Künz.
For the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup men’s section, Callum Smith will be leading the Zimbabwean athletes that includes Zander Botha, Matthew Hildebrand, Zizael Manyati and Taanashe Makosa.
Fresh from another Junior Cup in South Africa a week ago, Botha is positive of favourable results.
“I have never been more prepared for this event. I feel good.
“I have just come from the Africa Cup in Ebotse, and I did really well there. I have raced against all the competition I am going against tomorrow. I know them all very well and I know this course very well,” said Botha.
They will be joined by four athletes from South Africa and Mauritius to make it a field of nine.
The Troutbeck event has evolved over the years to become a multi-sport festival.
And the programme includes the Zimbabwe National Championships and other supporting events such as Open Water Swim, trail run, aquathlon, Corporate Team Triathlon Challenge and Duathlon Challenge.
“With Troutbeck being our National Champs, it will be the main focus for most of our athletes.
“All athletes will be vying for the top three national medals and the national title.
“Callum is the only Zimbabwe Under-19 athlete whilst Zander, Matt, Taanashe and Zizael will be competing for the Under-17 title,” said national coach Pamela Fulton.
