A full week of triathlon for all ages and abilities continues in Wānaka today (Saturday February 17) with Challenge Wānaka.

“It's set to be a thrilling weekend of racing, with vital points and rankings at stake,” Challenge Wānaka said in a statement.

Over the past two days more than 1,800 young people have taken part in Puzzling World Junior and Intermediate Challenges and the Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka Secondary Schools & Adaptive Challenges and last night the action moved to downtown Wānaka for the Tri NZ Oceania Cup. 

Today, a strong international elite field will line up for the flagship middle distance event.

Defending champions Jacky Moody (NZ) and Grace Thekv (Aus) will both face stiff competition if they want to reclaim their titles. 

In the men’s field, Jack is joined by a strong line up of homegrown talent including Mike Phillips and Kyle Smith, as well as Australian Nick Thompson, fresh off his win in Tasmania.

In the women’s field, Thek is up against Els Visser (Netherlands), ranked second in the Challenge Family World Bonus and coming off a strong 2023, local Bec Clarke and Laura Siddall (Great Britain) returning for her sixth Challenge Wānaka.

Also taking place during the weekend is the Earshots Cross Tri and Duathlon and the Garth Barfoot Aquabike, as well as Bay to Bay Swim.

Find more information at the Challenge Wānaka website here.

PHOTO: Challenge Wanaka/Sean Beale