Twenty-five Kiama triathletes are set to compete at the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong which gets under way on Thursday.

In one of the biggest events on the triathlon calendar, the championships has attracted around 7000 competitors - and 25 of them will be representing Kiama.

“It’s a major deal, especially for the age group athletes,” said Kiama Triathlon Club vice president Geoff Besnard. 

“There can be hundreds of people competing for those few spots on the national team. It requires a serious commitment in terms of time, training, and effort - so making it here means you're really good.”

Besnard explained that athletes qualify through a points-based system, with events held across the country. The top 25 triathletes in each five-year age group bracket earn a place on their national team.

“For example, a win might earn you 25 points, second place a bit less, and so on,” he said. 

“Athletes then represent their national team at the Worlds.”

The competition kicks off on Thursday with age group standard distance races. Friday features more age group events, including the sprint distance. 

Saturday is dedicated to the Para triathlon and the sprint relays, while Sunday is the big day for the professionals, with the standard distance program.

“We’ve got 25 Kiama athletes competing - mainly on Thursday and Friday in the standard or sprint distances. A few are also doing aqua bike, which follows the standard distance format,” said Besnard.

He said training conditions in the lead-up have been ideal. “The weather’s been kind, and the ocean is unusually warm - around 20°C - so swimming has been comfortable,” he said. 

“Kiama is a great place to train. Many of our athletes have been working with club coach Jody Lindsay, who runs several training squads.”

Besnard described Wollongong as one of his favourite triathlon courses in the world. 

Swimmers taking on the Minnamurra River. Photo: Kiama Triathlon Club

“It’s right in the middle of the city, which makes it really special. The swim starts in the harbour, goes out the entrance, then loops back in,” he said. 

“The bike course includes a tough hill coming out of the harbour, then heads north past the Innovation Campus. It’s flat and fast in sections, but with some challenging hills. The run course follows the water, loops around the lighthouse, and finishes at Lang Park - just behind South Beach.”

He added that most of the Kiama athletes are familiar with the course, which could give them a slight edge. 

“Wollongong hosts a regular event each year, so most of our athletes have raced it multiple times.

"Many have been training on the course - riding the bike route and swimming in the harbour. It’s only half an hour away, so it's definitely a local advantage,” he said.

Representing Kiama will be: Ben Purcell, Bianca De Swardt, Cameron Griffin, Cameron Dribbus, Carmel Sloane, Carolyn Dews, Cheryl Freeman, Dane Sablowski, Danie Marie, Harry Fraser, Joseph Cutler, Joshua Frangos, Karina Frangos, Keelan Green, Gary Gordon, Kellyanne Wynen, Mark Ettridge, Mark Wynen, Mary Street, Matthew Charnock, Phil Hay, Pierre Paturel, Scott Krauss, Tanya Fraser, and Tereza Olbrecht.