Samoan Triathletes Return Home with Impressive Results from Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

A recent visit to the prestigious Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge saw two young Samoan triathletes return home with a wealth of knowledge and impressive results. Seventeen-year-old Tyreece Collins finished second in the men’s division, while nineteen-year-old Urlin Mulitalo took fourth place in the women’s division.

Impressive Performances from Young Riders

Tyreece Collins’ time of 1 hour and 33 minutes was a standout performance, as he completed the 55km race. His achievement is all the more impressive considering it was his debut on the New Zealand cycling scene. Bike Samoa Federation president Leniu Philip Moore praised Tyreece’s effort, saying “Amazing results from both of them. They represented Samoa well, both on and off the race course.”

Urlin Mulitalo also made a strong impression, recording a time of 1 hour and 46 minutes to take fourth place in the women’s division. Her performance was a testament to her hard work and dedication to training. Leniu Philip Moore echoed this sentiment, stating “We are very proud of these young riders, and excited about their promising future in this sport.”

Bike Samoa Federation’s Commitment to Local Talent

The Bike Samoa Federation has expressed its commitment to developing local cyclists, rather than relying on overseas-based athletes to represent Samoa. Leniu Philip Moore stated “We want to develop our own local bikers, so Samoa does not have to rely on overseas-based athletes to represent them.” This commitment is a positive step forward for the sport in Samoa.

A Milestone Event with Something for Everyone

The 46th Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge attracted thousands of participants from around New Zealand and the world. The event featured eight event categories, including road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel riding. The newly introduced Tineli Huka Hundy category, a 100km course, was a notable addition to the lineup.

A Celebration of Cycling in New Zealand

The atmosphere at this year’s Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge was electric, with organisers, riders, supporters, event partners, and the local community all coming together to celebrate. The Sun Live media described the occasion as “electric,” highlighting the excitement and energy of the event.

A Promising Future for Samoan Cycling

As Tyreece Collins and Urlin Mulitalo look to build on their impressive results, it is clear that the future of cycling in Samoa is looking bright. With the Bike Samoa Federation’s commitment to developing local talent, there is a sense of optimism about what the future holds for this young and ambitious sport.