Triathlete on a journey of knowledge

NATALIE SLADE/Dominion Post

KEEN LEARNER: Kate McIlroy is using the Tour de Femme as part of her training for the world triathlon circuit.

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A rookie when it comes to cycling, Kate McIlroy hopes to learn a thing or two by the time this year's Tour de Femme comes to an end on Wednesday.

The former middle distance and cross-country athlete pulled the pin on her running career in 2008 after a number of injuries, turning her attention to triathlon.

She finished her debut season on the world triathlon circuit in September, earning herself a world ranking of 20 in the process.

While McIlroy is a naturally gifted runner, the swimming and cycling disciplines have taken her a bit longer to master, – which is why she is lining up with the Triathlon New Zealand team in the Tour de Femme.

It is the first cycle tour she has entered, and her aim is to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

"Just to learn how to be a cyclist, pick up a few bike skills and learn tactics in a bike race.

"I'm obviously still pretty new to the sport, so I've got heaps to learn."

Coming from a running background, the idea of riding in a bunch and not striking out on one's own is something she has had to get used to.

"Bike racing is really tactical. It's completely different to running, which I used to do, so it's more learning how to think like a cyclist, and hopefully, we can then transfer those skills to triathlon racing later on."

McIlroy said she expected the first stage up Takaka Hill to be "interesting", and, while keen to do as well as possible, she is hoping the experience will stand her in good stead for the upcoming world triathlon season, which begins in Sydney in April.

Local interest in the tour will surround Team Fresh Choice, with lead rider Karen Fulton chasing the general classification title for the first time.

"Normally, I use the tour as a bit more of a buildup, so I don't ride it so hard, but this year, I'm going out to ride it quite hard, and I'm going in with a different focus," she said.

"Usually, I just go in and look at stage wins or the sprint jersey. This year, I'm looking at GC."

This year Fulton has been focusing on her time trialling and hill climbing to become a better all-round rider.

Fulton said her team-mates, who include Lana King, Cushla McKay, Paula Steel, Julie Turner and Christine van Hoppe, could be in line for age-group success as well.

She will ride in the elite nationals, after taking part in the Tour de Vineyards.

Other riders who will be in contention for the general classification include Auckland's Marina Duvnjak and Wellingtonian Emma Crum.

The Tour de Femme opens with an 11-kilometre climb up Takaka Hill on Monday morning, followed by a 48km stage around the Mahana Valley Circuit from 2pm.

Tuesday's third stage is 70km, taking in the Spooner and Reay saddles, beginning at 8.30am, and the day will end with a 19km individual time trial in Brightwater. The fifth and final stage, beginning at 9am on Wednesday, is an 80km ride through the Motueka and Moutere valleys.

The Tour de Vineyards begins on Friday.

- © Fairfax NZ News