Urlin Mulitalo racing in the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge last weekend. Photo: Bike Samoa Federation
Two young Samoan triathletes are returning home with a lot of knowledge from the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge last weekend, where they finished in the top five.
Seventeen-year-old Tyreece Collins finished second in the men's division, completing the 55km race in a time of 1 hour and 33 minutes.
Nineteen-year-old Urlin Mulitalo was fourth in the women's division, recording a time of 1 hour and 46min.
Bike Samoa Federation president Leniu Philip Moore said the duo made their debut on the New Zealand cycling scene and were impressive.
He said the federation wants to develop their own local bikers, so Samoa does not have to rely on overseas-based athletes to represent them.
"Amazing results from both of them. They represented Samoa well, both on and off the race course," he said.
"Congratulations to them and to their families who worked hard to help them train and prepare for the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.
"We are very proud of these young riders, and excited about their promising future in this sport. We are committed to developing cyclists here in Samoa, rather than relying on riders from overseas to represent us."
Tyreece Collins, finished second in the Men's Division 55km Length of the Lake Race, with his time of 1 hour and 33min. Photo: Bike Samoa Federation
The 46th Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge attracted thousands of participants from around New Zealand and the world.
The Sun Live media said organisers were happy the atmosphere of New Zealand's greatest cycling event was electric as organisers, riders, supporters, event partners and the Taupō community celebrated this milestone event.
Eight event categories were on offer at this year's occasion including the newly introduced Tineli Huka Hundy, a 100km course which takes in some of the best mountain bike tracks in the country.
From first-timers to top gun riders everyone was catered for, with road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel riding all featured.
