Record athletes for Nyanga triathlon

Raymond Jaravaza

A RECORD number of athletes have registered for the prestigious 2019 Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Sprint Triathlon African Cup set for 16 February in Nyanga, Manicaland Province.

At least 21 elite men and nine elite women from last year’s 15 and five respectively are expected to descend on the Nyanga resort, according to Triathlon Zimbabwe (TZ).

“With just under a month to go…the start list is the largest ever to visit this now established African Triathlon event. An international field consisting of 21 elite men and nine elite women are now registered to travel and compete at Troutbeck on 16 February 2019,” TZ said in a statement.

TZ celebrated 11 years since the Troutbeck African Cup opened its shores to the world subsequently making it the longest running event in Africa.

German’s Breinlinger Germany and Cindy Schwulst of South Africa were gold medallists in their respective elite men and women categories last year.

Twenty-year- old Zimbabwean Gideon Benade finished 12th on his debut in the men’s elite category while another Zimbabwean 36-year-old veteran Rory Mackie finished 14th racing in his first triathlon since 2006.

“In addition, an inaugural ATU Junior Triathlon African Cup will also be staged at the same venue which will see Zimbabwe hosting junior elite athletes from Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa,” TZ said.

“Supporting events on the day include an African Cross-Triathlon (off-road) Championship, Corporate Team Triathlon Challenge, Zimbabwe Triathlon Championships over a number of events, Tri-Kidz and Trisports triathlon, Aquathlon (run-swim-run) and an Open Water Swim,” added the organisers.