The Freycinet Challenge isn’t going anywhere, says race director Tim Saul, confirming the multi-sport event will go ahead next month for the 18th time.
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Dwindling numbers had the East Coast event in doubt but Saul put a statement on its website reassuring competitors and supporters that it will be business as usual on October 15 and 16.
“A huge thank you must go to everyone who has entered over the last week,” Saul’s post read.
“Due to the strong response we can happily say that the event will go ahead as planned.
“The Freycinet Challenge team are in full swing, working hard to bring you a great weekend of racing.
“Thanks again for the strong response, it is great to see the multi-sport community showing their support.”
Saul told The Examiner the event was hanging in the balance for a while.
“A couple of weeks ago we did not know whether it was going to proceed but we’ve had a lot of support from sponsors and competitors.
“That’s what made the decision. It was still questionable in terms of numbers but the desire to continue is what made it happen.
“There’s people like Graeme van Galan who have done the event every year and it’s a real tradition for them and I reckon if I cancelled it he would lynch me.”
Saul hoped the decline in numbers was just a phase for the event which combines road cycling, kayaking, mountain biking and running over two days.
“It is still going ahead, albeit with smaller numbers. We will have about 250 entries where four years ago it was up around 600 so it’s been a big drop.
“There is so much else to do and people pick and choose between events.”
Reigning men’s champion Alex Hunt, of Hobart, is back from racing in China and will start favourite while Launceston’s Sally Apps would be the strongest female on paper.
- WHAT: Moo Brew Freycinet Challenge
- WHEN: October 15-16
- WHERE: Coles Bay
- DETAILS: www.freycinetchallenge.com.au