The Home of Cycling has become the Home of Triathlon too.

Triathlon New Zealand yesterday confirmed its national high performance centre would be based at the Avantidrome venue on the outskirts of Cambridge, and the town will be the focal point for the sport's elite programme.

"The national high performance centre will provide the complete professional development for generations of Kiwi triathletes aspiring to achieve success on the Olympic stage," said Triathlon NZ high performance director Graeme Maw.

"It will be the complete ‘academy for triathlon excellence', focused of course on training allied with education in sporting skills and culture, academic support, and personal development," he said.

The venue was chosen ahead of Nelson and Christchurch.

Maw said Cambridge offered excellent training in all three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running) and "has an outstanding high performance culture ringing throughout its community".

The country's top triathletes will not be based at the centre but will visit regularly throughout the year for training camps and planning sessions.

Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston was delighted with the new tenant.

"Their presence will provide an economic benefit for the region and further vindicates the investment by a number of organisations into facilities including Mighty River Domain, the Avantidrome, new pool at St Peter's, an excellent roading network, and the development of some excellent cycling and running trails," Livingston said.

"As well they will provide a high incentive to youth of the Waikato region."

Home of Cycling chairman Simon Perry was also pleased with the decision.

"Triathlon is a great fit for us because, like cycling, their elite and development athletes will inspire everyday people to get out there and have a go at swimming, running and cycling events.

"The inspiration and motivation they bring to young children can't be underestimated," he said.

"It's a fantastic cycle of success breeding success and it's simply a great news story for everyone in our region.

"TriNZ's decision supports what we've known all along - that the Waikato region is a world-class base for nurturing and developing New Zealand's next generation of champions.

"We have outstanding facilities, an incredible natural environment and, most importantly, a culture of success," Perry said.

"It is great to have it acknowledged that the Cambridge and Waipa area offers the best overall training environment for triathletes."

- © Fairfax NZ News