Cook Islands Triathlon Association will be holding their annual 100km drafting race for the 5th time on Ariki Day July 4.

This event is a fast race with cyclists working together by “drafting” (where a cyclist sits right on the rear wheel of the bike in front, gaining shelter) behind each other and sharing the lead to keep the average speeds as high as possible.

The record is 2.43.00, which is not for the faint-hearted.

That record was set by the team of Alyce Nicholson, Lucy McDonald, Roland Neururer and Mike Carr. 

We are currently at the halfway point of training and are consistently getting 20 riders who are all gearing up for the big race. Bike speeds now are in the high 30km/h range and to beat the record this year cyclists will need to average 38km/h over the 100km distance.

Cook Islands Triathlon Association asks motorists to please be mindful on training days (Thursday 5pm – 6pm and Saturdays 3pm – 5pm) as the bikes are going faster than you may think.

The course this year is from the Social Centre, through town and out past Muri to the end of the smooth road, then cyclists turn and head back.

On Race Day the cyclists will do this 3 times with the last lap heading out to Crown Beach and back to the Social Centre to finish the 100km.

Cook Islands Triathlon Association would like to thank BSP for supporting our cycle series and all the people of Rarotonga for their care on the roads. CITA.