New Zealander Jared Eagar, who will be swimming as part of a team in the main triathlon event today, was the first out of the water in a time of 11:02 minutes at the CITC Boiler Swim competition on Thursday.

First local swimmers were David Robati just 9 seconds behind the leader clocking 11:09 and Maya Postrzygacz in a time of 12:31. 

Maya and David were the winners of the local Maori Auri Tinman Race 3 weeks ago and Cook Islands current club champions.  Both will be looking to add to their titles on today’s Air New Zealand Triathlon Event.   

Cook Islands Triathlon Association week of events started on Thursday with the CITC Boiler Swim where the iconic race looked perfect as competitors viewed the almost flat sea from the deck of Trader Jack’s restaurant.   

The conditions were ideal and it made for a fast race out to the Boiler, swimming around in an anticlockwise direction and returning through the passage to the beach. 

Race times were taken when the competitors touched the wall at the finish, which always makes for great excitement and cheering amongst the assembled crowd. 

First female Olivia Ritchie, also from New Zealand touched the wall in a time of 11:29.

Ritchie is a hot favourite for the Air New Zealand Triathlon Event on Saturday as she is the defending champion in the women’s race.

Following the swim the CITC Boiler Swim prize giving and carbo-loading pasta meal was held at the Edgewater Resort & Spa, ahead of what is expected to be a fantastic day on Saturday for the Air New Zealand Rarotonga Triathlon. 

Cook Islands Triathlon president Roland Neururer said that the conditions for the Olympic distance triathlon are looking fantastic and that he is excited to see the competition which will be a great race in both the men’s and ladies’ competitions. 

Defending champion Rod Dallimore representing Auckland City Tri Club will be expected to be fast on the bike, and will no doubt be facing stiff competition from our local man David Robati and many times racer Henry Hale, while Olivia battles against Maya Postrzygacz and Brooke Ross for the women’s title. 

Air New Zealand and Cook Islands Triathlon wish all athletes a fantastic race. 

Road users are advised that cyclists will be traveling at speed from Tikioki through town and out towards Arorangi from 2pm on Saturday and extreme caution is needed.

The Ride Rarotonga Tour de Raro, will be held on Tuesday May 6 from 4.30pm in town and is a fast a furious cycle race anti-clockwise around the island.

Once again, extreme caution is advised as the cyclists are often traveling faster than other road users.

• CITAI