The Netherlands and Austria are leading the pack in terms of the number of athletes in the elite women’s and men’s starting lists for the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck.
The event, scheduled to take place at the picturesque Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, Eastern Highlands, will see athletes competing for qualification points for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
A total of five athletes have registered for the elite women’s category, with the Netherlands fielding two competitors.
Rachel Klamer and Marit Van Den Berg will represent the Dutch, while Japan’s Minori Ikeno, Finland’s Henrika Parvianen, and Morocco’s Nora Nouri Moro complete the lineup.
Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s top elite athlete, Andie Kuipers, will miss out on the event due to an Achilles injury.
“Troutbeck is my home race, so it's heartbreaking not to be there to represent my country and federation,” Kuipers said.
“I’m always proud to represent Triathlon Zimbabwe at this event, but I don’t want to go to Troutbeck and come fifth. I want to stand on the start line knowing I can win.”
The elite men’s category will feature a total of 15 athletes, with Austria fielding four competitors.
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Noah and Samuel Künz, Philip Pertl, and Brody Kapeller will represent Austria, while South Africa and Germany have two athletes each. Completing the list are athletes from Greece, France, Morocco, Mauritius, and the United States.
Zimbabwe will be represented in the junior category and head coach Pam Fulton is confident of a good show.
“Some athletes travelled to Troutbeck for some final training to familiarise themselves with the course. They swam in the dam to familiarise themselves with open water and the temperature,” Fulton said.
“Being able to practice the technical sections of the bike course prior to race day will be beneficial to these athletes. Another important aspect to practice prior to race day are transitions. Transitions are considered the fourth discipline in triathlon and they too need to be practiced to have the best race possible.”
Stanely Chasakara, Callum Smith, Mandlenkosi Mthethwa and Nicole Madya are expected to represent the nation in the Africa Junior Cup.
Madya is the sole representative in the junior women.
The locals will also be competing for the National Championships titles for Under-17 and Under-19.
“Our juniors are ready to race. Unfortunately, Rohnan (Nicholson) will not be there to compete for the Under-17 National Championship title as he has been invited to a cycling camp in South Africa,” Fulton said.
“This will, therefore, leave Stanley and Callum to compete for the title. A close and exciting race is respected.
“Mandla will compete for the Under-19 National Championships title but all three men will be competing against South Africa and Namibia for the Africa Cup title,” she added.
The Troutbeck competition is a demanding event held at an altitude of
2 000m and over hilly terrain in the beautiful Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. The close proximity of the venue to a good tar road for the cycle section and a central location for all aspects of the event for spectators and athletes alike makes Troutbeck the ideal venue.
The cycle and run courses consist of multi laps through the hotel complex which adds to spectator interest and involvement.
In addition to the Africa Cup event, it will be a multisport weekend, featuring national triathlon championships, as well as non-championship events Aquabike, Aquathlon, Duathlon, Off-Road Triathlon, MTB, Open Water Swimming, Trail Running and Youth Mini events.
This year, the sponsors for the Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck include Bonaqua, the title sponsor, MCM Legal, Cimas’ iGo, CFAO, Rooney’s Events, African Sun, Troutbeck Resort, EcoCash and Simbisa Brands.
