Pros expect ‘electric atmosphere’ in Bendigo for Australian Cross Triathlon Championships

BENDIGO, Australia - Dec. 8, 2014 - PRLog -- It has been a long season for reigning national champions Ben Allen (AUS) and Jacqui Slack (GBR). However, even after a six wins and a podium finish (third) at the Xterra World Championships for Allen, and four wins and a top 10 (ninth) for Slack, off-road triathlon’s power couple are pumped for the Australian Cross Triathlon Championships to be held at the Crusoe Reservoir in Bendigo, Victoria the 13-14 December.

“In Australia we have a lot of great locations for racing,” said Allen, a 29-year-old native of North Wollongong, NSW. “Bendigo is just one of those locations. It’s nestled in a really nice country community and those people get behind their events and really support them.

“Everyone racing will get to see next week the type of passion they show and it’s going to shine through during the race, with the participants, the volunteers, the whole community is backing this race 100 per cent and it really shows and makes the atmosphere come alive – it’s going to be electric.”

The race will mark the end of the season, which has included racing in 26 countries this year for both Allen and Slack, who are each fresh off a win at the Bataan International Triathlon in the Philippines last weekend.

“This is the first time we’ve raced here,” said Allen, who won the national title earlier this year. “We are expecting Bendigo to treat us to a typical Australian summer with plenty of heat under the gruelling sun, so hydration will be key in our race plan.

“Often Mother Nature can be the toughest obstacle to overcome in off-road triathlon and we are not expecting anything different in Victoria.”

Slack is also looking forward to the race, especially the mountain bike leg, which she hopes to use to her benefit.
“From past experiences, TreX organisers In2Adventure always design really solid mountain bike courses,” said the 31-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, England. “Sometimes in other off-road triathlons and adventure races, the mountain bike lets you down a bit as they are often not too technical or similar to authentic mountain biking.

“In2Adventure always searches for lots of single track, obstacles and beautiful bushland, so I am expecting something similar.

“I don’t know if there will be any hills or not, but I am definitely expecting some good twisting and turning through the trees and I am sure they will make the run the same,” concludes Slack. “And all that plays into my strengths.”

Both Allen and Slack will be offering a free comprehensive adult training clinic starting at 8am on Thursday, 11th December, as well as a free kids training clinic at 3.30pm that afternoon.

The following day, Allen and Slack will hold a free one-hour University learning lab at event registration starting at 5pm. The University will cover everything race participants will need to know about the 1500m swim/30km MTB/10km trail run course. Plus, preparations for race day and tips and tricks to help each athlete achieve their personal best.

With TreX offering both clinics and the university free of charge, bookings are essential and can be made by contacting event director Robyn Lazenby via email (mailto:robyn@in2adventure.com.au).

About the Australian Cross Triathlon Championships:

The Australian Cross-Triathlon Championships and Multisport Weekend is based in Victoria's Gold Region in the City of Greater Bendigo just 90 minutes from Melbourne airport.   Located in the Murray Darling Basin, Bendigo is surrounded by parkland and nature reserves and Crusoe Reservoir, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city provides an idyllic backdrop for a weekend of off-road action. The feature race consists of 1500m Swim, 30km XC Mountain Bike and 10km Trail Run. The multisport component offers two trail runs and a free kids adventure run. For more information about the event or the training clinics visit the event page here (http://www.tre-x.com.au/Event-Info-AUS-CHAMPS.php)

About TreX:

For seven years TreX has positioned itself as the pinnacle of the cross – or off-road - triathlon racing series in Asia-Pacific. Presented by the premier outdoor adventure event specialists In2Adventure, TreX consists of a reservoir swim, mountain bike and trail run. While each TreX event features an elite category with industry-leading prize purses, including $10,000 for the Australian Cross Triathlon Championships and $40,000 for the Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships, the TreX Cross Triathlon national series invites participation from all ages and skill levels. For more information visit TreX here (http://www.tre-x.com.au/)

About In2Adventure:

In2Adventure are Asia-Pacific’s premier adventure event specialists. With a full calendar of national events scheduled throughout Australia, including adventure races, cross triathlon, XC Mountain Bike, trail runs and corporate events, In2Adventure fully embraces all things ‘off road’ and ‘off the beaten track’ and offers a unique, individual experience for all ages and skill levels. For more information visit In2Adventure here (http://www.in2adventure.com.au/)

Upcoming Events (2014/15):

- Australian Cross Triathlon Championships – Bendigo, VIC, 13/14 December 2014

- TreX Back 2 Back Cross Triathlon – Sunshine Coast, QLD, 17/18 January 2015

- Snowies MTB Stage Race – Snowy Mountains, NSW, 21/22 February 2015

- Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships – Snowy Mountains, NSW, 28 Feb-1 March 2015

- TreX Cross Triathlon Championships – Sunshine Coast, QLD, 2/3 May

Photo Credit: Courtesy In2Adventure