Port Douglas will play backdrop to another huge sporting event this June when Australia and New Zealand’s top triathletes face off for final Olympic qualification points in two Oceania Championship and Cup events.

The event is also set to reignite the Trans-Tasman rivalry as the first Trans-Tasman triathlon events on Australian soil since COVID-19 stopped international racing in March 2020.

Competitors will compete in the 2021 Oceania Standard Distance Championship on Saturday 12 June and the 2021 Oceania Sprint Cup on Saturday 26 June.

The two races will provide athletes from both sides of the ditch a valuable opportunity to test their skills under hot and humid conditions, mimicking those expected at the Tokyo Olympics this July.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the events would showcase Port Douglas as a destination for major events and sports tourism.

“Tokyo is just around the corner, and the Games will represent a very special opportunity for optimism, hope and solidarity across the globe,” he said.

“Our tropical climate offers a realistic simulation of the conditions for the competition in Tokyo. Add the beauty of Port Douglas, and the wonderful spirit of our community, and we have a very appealing environment for world-class athletes to compete.”

“We might be in the far north, and it might take you a bit longer to get here, however, we hope this event will demonstrate how well-positioned we are to host large scale events in our region. We have the infrastructure, we have the talent to make it happen on the ground, and we have the location – where the reef meets the rainforest – it’s the most incredible backdrop you could hope for.”

The Green and Gold will take on the Kiwis in a 40km and 20km cycle along sections of Port Douglas Road, Davidson Street and Garrick Street. Sections of the roads will be temporarily closed with diversions in place to ensure residents and visitors can travel into and out of town.

Four Mile Beach will host the 1.5km and 750m swimming legs, while Macrossan Street will allow onlookers to be close to the action and cheer on our national stars as they run down the main street.

The Oceania Standard Distance Championship and Cup fixture will carry extra weight, offering athletes a final chance to gain valuable Olympic qualification points before the Olympic Qualification Period ends on June 14.

Douglas Shire Council’s Sports & Recreation Officer, Renee Ker, said this is an unprecedented event for our Shire, and an opportunity for the region to firmly make its mark on sports tourism.

“We will have a world-class competition between Australia and New Zealand taking place right in the heart of Port Douglas.”

“The course has been mapped out carefully – it's technical and will make for two very hard and fast races.”

“The most incredible talent and athleticism will be on display as athletes battle it out for a spot in Tokyo – and it’s all going to take place in Port Douglas.”

Triathlon Australia’s National Performance Director Justin Drew said that Port Douglas provides an excellent racing opportunity ahead of Tokyo.

“Having been without international racing for some time, we’re excited by the opportunity to compete against a strong international competitor like New Zealand here in Australia,” he said.

Triathlon New Zealand CEO, Claire Beard said she was looking forward to the New Zealand team competing in Australia.

“We are thrilled that our athletes can travel to compete at the Standard Oceania Champs and Sprint Cup at Port Douglas.”

Road closures

A number of roads will be impacted on Saturday 12 June and Saturday 26 June. The closure times are expected to be no longer than 7:00am to 10:30am.

Port Douglas Road will be closed between Macrossan and Mahogany Streets with a diversion in place via Mudlo Street and Davidson Street.

Mowbray Street between Port Douglas Road to the Esplanade, Esplanade, Macrossan Street between Esplanade and Port Douglas Road, Blake Street between Port Douglas Road to Garrick Street, Garrick Street, Beryl Street, and Sand Street will all be closed to traffic.

One-way traffic will be in place for Macrossan Street between Wharf Street and Owen Street.