Top field to contest Australian TreX Nationals this weekend

JINDABYNE, Australia - Feb. 26, 2016 - PRLog -- Three months since dominating the Victorian TreX state title, elite men’s and women’s winners Ben Allen (AUS) and Jacqui Slack (GBR) are all set to contend for the Australian nationals in the Snowy Mountains this weekend (27-28 February).

The dynamic endurance sports power couple is each considered a consensus pre-race favourite, with a combined 26 Xterra championships between them, including 17 for Allen and nine for Slack.

However, a victory in the long course off-road triathlon surrounding Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa on Saturday will not come easy with a stellar field eager to knock them off the top of the podium.

Last year’s Trex Back-2-Back Champion Brodie Gardner (AUS) from Queensland, who finished second to Allen at the Victorian championships in November, leads an elite men’s group ready to challenge the New South Wales native.

Compatriots Chris Benjamin (NSW), Geoff Breese (NSW), Raea Khan (NSW), Robert Skillman (NSW) and Shane Wootton (NSW), along with Hong Kong’s Jerome Laboulais are all keen to take the title.

“There’s a lot on the line this weekend, and a national title is no joke,” Allen said on Friday. “I'm excited to have the opportunity to have a crack and challenge for the win.

“It's always a very proud moment claiming a national title and I'm excited to showcase my skills and ability in front of my family and friends.”

Last year’s winner Max Neumann (QLD) drops to under-23 and will race uncontested in the men’s division.

Like the elite men’s field, the elite women are also en force to block Slack’s chances for an easy win.

The Brit’s biggest threat comes from international superstar Renata Bucher (SUI), who finished second to Slack in Victoria and is fresh off a second-place finish at the three-day, five-stage Snowies Mountain Bike Festival held along the same Lake Crackenback countryside last weekend.

Joining Bucher, will be Aussies Belinda Hadden (VIC), who rounded out the podium in Victoria, Brooke Darlington (NSW), Catherine Sterling (VIC), Hazel Conroy (NSW), Holly Khan (NSW), Jessica Richards (NSW), Jessica Simpson (NSW), Kim Beckinsale (QLD), Maree Doyle (NSW) and Penny Hosken (VIC).

Aside from the elites, the race also serves as the only Australian qualification race for the 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships (18-20 November) for the under-23s, under-19s and paratriathletes, with up to six spots up for grabs to represent the nation in each elite category.

The race is open to all competitors aged 15 years and over, however, to be eligible for Australian Championship status and awards, competitors must be over 18 and be full financial members of Triathlon Australia (TA).

The X-Tri national championship long course features a 1500m swim in the crisp, crystal waters of Lake Crackenback, followed by an awe-inspiring two-lap, 30km mountain bike course over a sculpted flowing single track.

A challenging 10km trail run to the finish completes the third and final leg of the off-road triathlon.

“The course is next level,” claimed Allen. “Lake Crackenback have stepped up and introduced new and exciting trails, World class. It's so sweet we get a chance to check them out this weekend before the big show in November.”

Slack agreed.

“Just when you thought the In2adventure course here at Lake Crackenback couldn't get any better, wow it's absolutely amazing with well maintained trails and still the best location on the planet,” she said. “It’s great to have the opportunity to race on the world championship course. I'm excited to race this weekend, but I'm really focused on winning that world title in November, too.”

Shorter distance races for juniors (10-15yrs) and Dirt Kids (7-10yrs) are also on offer, as well as a teaser (200m / 6km / 1km) for those interested in a beginner’s event.

About In2Adventure:

In2Adventure is 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://tre-x.com.au/about/).

Upcoming Events (2016):

•          Australian Cross Triathlon Championships (2016 Worlds Qualifier) – Snowy Mountains, NSW, 27-28 February 2016

•          Mountain Designs Adventure Race Australia – NSW, 20 March 2016

•          Queensland Cross Triathlon Championships (2016 Worlds Qualifier) – Sunshine Coast, QLD, 16-17 April 2016

•          Mountain Designs Adventure Race Australia 18hr Dark Side & 12hr Dawn Attack – Sunshine Coast, QLD, 29-30 April, 2016

•          ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships – Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, Snowy Mountains, NSW, 18-20 November