When World Cup #1 ranked Hunter Kemper arrived from the USA in New Plymouth with his team-mate Mark Fretta he did not expect the welcome that he received.

The athletes were greeted by a large group of Taranaki well wishers, then greeted formally by the Kappa Haka group, before being welcomed by Mayor Tennent.

A surprised Kemper talked to the media about his desire to compete in “this beautiful country” and how “this was the most spectacular welcome he had received to any country, anywhere in the world.

He also paid tribute to the warmth of the welcome, and the quality of the singing.

Those that have a keen eye for detail will recognise Mark Fretta from the multi page layout in the latest Air New Zealand magazine attributed to the triathlon.

Both men were then whisked away to their hotel by Shannon Barnett in his 1955 Buick

Locals have been alerted to watch out for the pair of athletes over the next 10 days as they acclimatise and prepare for the ITU World Cup Finale on the 13th November.

Live Coverage from the New Plymouth World Cup Finale will begin 11 November with pre-event video and interviews. Click here
  for full event details

                   

World #1       Hunter Kemper Arrives in New Plymouth	Graham       Park (Assistant Race Director), Lindsay MacLeod (NPDC), Mark Fretta (Athlete),       Hunter Kemper (Athlete), Peter Tennent (Mayor)
Haka Welcome	Hunter wearing the Mayor’s Chain of Office, Mark Fretta, Shannon Barnett       (owner of ‘55 Buick) and New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennent -
Hunter       Kemper mastering the hongi and a pretty good “kia ora”!	Hunter       and Mark ready to be swept away in vintage 1955 Buick