THE reigning champion of the Julia Creek Cannington Dirt n Dust Triathlon will return to defend his title, when he goes up against a field of talented competitors in Australia’s toughest sprint triathlon on April 18.
Elite triathlete Sam Betten will return to the North West to chase the top spot for the fifth year running and says the Dirt n Dust Triathlon is definitely a race on the triathlon calendar not to be missed.
“I’ve always started my year with the Dirt n Dust Triathlon, it’s a tough race but a good result really sets you up for a great year,” Betten said.
“I’m never super confident about a win, it all comes down to if everything comes together – the great thing about triathlons is that you never know what will happen during the race,” he said.
Betten will use the Dirt n Dust Triathlon as part of his preparations for the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in Sweden later this year.
“That race will be a 4km swim, a 120km bike ride, and a 30km run – I came eighth in 2014, so I’m hoping for a spot on the podium this year.
“The Dirt and Dust Festival is really unique, there’s something for everyone. Apart from the triathlon, there’s the PBR Bullride, heaps of music, horse racing, and more.
“It’s an awesome chance to get out of the city to a completely different world, with heaps to do for kids and for adults, there are no exclusions. It’s so family-friendly and inclusive, which is a real credit to the Julia Creek township.”
Dirt n Dust Festival Committee President, Stephen Malone, said that it was exciting to be welcoming Sam back for yet another year.
“Every year, there’s even fiercer competition in the Dirt n Dust Triathlon, and Sam contributes a lot to that – he has already won the triathlon more consecutive times than anyone else, so it will be interesting to see if he can defend his title for the fifth year in a row,” Mr Malone said.
“The Dirt n Dust Festival really does take people out of their comfort zone, and offers experiences that you won’t get anywhere else in Australia,” he said.
“Whether people come to compete, spectate, or join in the novelty events later in the weekend, there is something for everyone.”
The 21st annual Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival will be held from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19, 2015.
For more information and to register, go to www.dirtndust.com.