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Strong International Challenge for Speight\'s Coast to Coast

Rachel Robertson / 08.02.2006

Kiwi athletes face the strongest international challenge for a decade in this coming weekend\'s 24th annual Speight\'s Coast to Coast.

Both men\'s and women\'s fields in the six-stage event decided over 243kms of mountain running, cycling and paddling across the Southern Alps have drawn the biggest international field in history with leading competitors from Australia, USA, Sweden, Finland and South Africa challenging New Zealand\'s best.

It has been more than a decade since an international has had their hands on the trophy when outstanding Australian multisporter John Jacoby grabbed victories in 1988, 1989 and 1993 while South Africa\'s Rockley Montgomery triumphed in 1992.

Since that time the event has been dominated mainly by nine-time champion Steve Gurney while the women\'s title holders have been fellow Kiwis Jill Westenra and Kristina Anglem.

31-year-old Jody Zerbst leads a powerful Australian contingent to challenge for the men\'s title while Canada\'s Emily Miazga, Finland\'s Elena Rautila and Sweden\'s Sarah Wallen are major international hopes in the women\'s race.