A new champion will be unveiled at this year’s race after defending champ Richard Murray could not return to defend his title due to commitments in Abu Dhabi next weekend where he will be competing in the World Triathlon Series.
The 2015 Buffalo City African Triathlon Union (ATU) Sprint Triathlon African Cup is set to headline Sunday’s action-packed triathlon schedule as the elite athletes look to put on a show on the East London beachfront.
“I do enjoy racing in East London, and last season it was important for us to take part in the event,” said Murray.
“Defending my title has never been a very important thing for me. As much as I would love to be two-time South African champion, a podium at WTS Abu Dhabi or a World series event is truly what I am striving for.”
“Giving some much-needed ITU points to the youngsters I find is an important thing. This will allow them to get into Continental European cups and perhaps event a World Cup event abroad if they do well in East London and the African Championships in Egypt in May,” explained Murray.
Quite a few athletes have opted not to risk themselves ahead of this event. However, some top triathlon talent will still grace the East London event.
“With some of the bigger names missing out this year it gives a chance to the up-and-coming athletes to show their talents and skills,” said Debbie Alexander, president of SA Triathlon.
“We are very lucky that our academy and high performance centre has been working allowing for some very good young talent coming through who will look to do well as elites.”
Last year’s third-place finisher Wikus Weber will see this as a big opportunity for him with Murray and 2014 runner-up Wian Sullwald both not competing.
German triathlete Jonas Schomburg, who races out of Turkey, will have other ideas, however, and will start as favourite as he is currently the highest ranked athlete in world triathlon on the start list.
Schomburg has been living in East London the past few years and has competed in many of the sporting events in and around the city, so he will have a personal knowledge of the course and conditions.
Weber is the second-highest ranked in the event in the world with Luxembourg’s Bob Halier next.
South African’s Rudolf Naude and Travis Johnston should also be in the mix.
East London’s only rep in the African Cup, Clinton Gravett, will also be hunting a top finish.
This will only be Gravett’s second International Triathlon Union (ITU) elite race.
His form at home events and his knowledge of the course and conditions will stand him in good stead to put in a top performance.
In the women’s division last year’s champ Arina Shulgina of Russia and South African runner-up Gillian Saunders will also not be competing this year.
This opens the door for last year’s bronze medallist and highest ranked lady Carolyn Fischer to have a go at claiming the win.
She will, however, face stiff competition from Lauren Dance and Vicky van der Merwe for the title.
The SA Triathlon Champs and the World Paratriathlon event will also take place alongside the African Cup race on Sunday giving spectators a whole host of triathlon action to watch.
Another top event is expected for athletes and fans alike.
“I have been very happy with how the event has been run and each year has built on the success of the previous year,” said Alexander.
Way open for new star
The 2015 Buffalo City African Triathlon Union (ATU) Sprint Triathlon African Cup is set to headline Sunday’s action-packed triathlon schedule as the elite athletes look to put on a show on the East London beachfront.
“I do enjoy racing in East London, and last season it was important for us to take part in the event,” said Murray.
“Defending my title has never been a very important thing for me. As much as I would love to be two-time South African champion, a podium at WTS Abu Dhabi or a World series event is truly what I am striving for.”
“Giving some much-needed ITU points to the youngsters I find is an important thing. This will allow them to get into Continental European cups and perhaps event a World Cup event abroad if they do well in East London and the African Championships in Egypt in May,” explained Murray.
Quite a few athletes have opted not to risk themselves ahead of this event. However, some top triathlon talent will still grace the East London event.
“With some of the bigger names missing out this year it gives a chance to the up-and-coming athletes to show their talents and skills,” said Debbie Alexander, president of SA Triathlon.
“We are very lucky that our academy and high performance centre has been working allowing for some very good young talent coming through who will look to do well as elites.”
Last year’s third-place finisher Wikus Weber will see this as a big opportunity for him with Murray and 2014 runner-up Wian Sullwald both not competing.
German triathlete Jonas Schomburg, who races out of Turkey, will have other ideas, however, and will start as favourite as he is currently the highest ranked athlete in world triathlon on the start list.
Schomburg has been living in East London the past few years and has competed in many of the sporting events in and around the city, so he will have a personal knowledge of the course and conditions.
Weber is the second-highest ranked in the event in the world with Luxembourg’s Bob Halier next.
South African’s Rudolf Naude and Travis Johnston should also be in the mix.
East London’s only rep in the African Cup, Clinton Gravett, will also be hunting a top finish.
This will only be Gravett’s second International Triathlon Union (ITU) elite race.
His form at home events and his knowledge of the course and conditions will stand him in good stead to put in a top performance.
In the women’s division last year’s champ Arina Shulgina of Russia and South African runner-up Gillian Saunders will also not be competing this year.
This opens the door for last year’s bronze medallist and highest ranked lady Carolyn Fischer to have a go at claiming the win.
She will, however, face stiff competition from Lauren Dance and Vicky van der Merwe for the title.
The SA Triathlon Champs and the World Paratriathlon event will also take place alongside the African Cup race on Sunday giving spectators a whole host of triathlon action to watch.
Another top event is expected for athletes and fans alike.
“I have been very happy with how the event has been run and each year has built on the success of the previous year,” said Alexander.
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