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Challenge Wanaka today announced a week long festival of triathlon from January 11-17, 2009 with the addition of a junior event and a criterium-style sprint event to the already established iron distance race.

Challenge Wanaka is working with Triathlon New Zealand to bring a race in the Contact Cup Series on Friday January 16. The late afternoon race will see athletes racing at high speed through the streets of central Wanaka's providing a thrilling evening's entertainment for spectators. It is expected to attract all levels of triathletes, from those just starting out to some of New Zealand's most well-known elite competitors.

Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche said he is very excited to be bringing another Contact Cup race series down to the South Island

"Wanaka is a stunning location and with the holidaymakers at that time of year, we are hoping to get a broader participation base involved in the event and are looking forward to working with Challenge Wanaka to bring together the complete triathlon package, one that will appeal to the first time and 'social' competitors, as well as the elites."

The Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival kicks off with the new Puzzling World Junior Challenge on Sunday, January 11. Aimed at introducing children from 8-15 to triathlon and getting them involved in sport, the race will feature three distances depending on age and is guaranteed to be a lot of fun for both children and parents.

"We're thrilled to announce these two new events as part of the Challenge Wanaka experience and to be working with Tri NZ to help promote and grow the sport," said race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "Spectators and athletes can now enjoy both ends of the triathlon spectrum during the week, from the high speed sprint to the inspiring ironman distance plus it's wonderful to be able to get the kids involved."