ADF triathaletes are busily preparing themselves for what will prove to be the best season ever for competing in military and civilian triathlon competitions throughout Australia.

Boasting about 800 members, the Australian Services Triathlon Association (ASTA) is responsible for the administration of what could be regarded as the largest triathlon organisation in Australia.

ASTA also supports teams and individuals in the World Masters Games, Noosa Triathlon, Australian Triathlon Championships, all Ironman qualifying races, Australian Ironman, Hawaiian Ironman and various other national events.

Last season ASTA took on extra responsibility to support members in the Xterra race series, participants in charity bike rides and conducted the first ADF Cycling Championships.

The ADF has a wealth of triathlon talent, with 10 members recently qualifying for or being selected to represent Australia and the ADF in the upcoming Triathlon, Ironman (Hawaiian) and Xterra World Championships.

This season will kick off on October 25, when 40 to 60 competitors will compete in the first ADF Long Course Championships at Penrith Lakes International Regatta Centre. The event, which is free, is designed to allow ADF triathletes a testing area for the up-coming half ironman season and to also encourage members who have not previously undertaken the extra distance. It is hoped that ASTA will be able to build on the impressive team size of 38 (officially the largest representation from any triathlon club in Australia) for the 2003 Australian Ironman at Forster/Tuncurry.

ASTA continues to provide the best support to all ADF triathletes, from novice to elite, and is intending to spend about $25,000 on the provision of uniforms for members at no cost.

The complete season race schedule should be finalised by the end of this month.

For further information on triathlon in the ADF, contact WO2 Greg Young on (02) 9600 4266.

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