ITU would like to extend a huge thank you to our newest World Cup in New Plymouth, New Zealand for staging such a wonderful finale to the World Cup Series. From the time the athletes arrived, until they dragged themselves home from the gala year-end celebration, the LOC lead by Terry Sheldrake, Peter Fitzsimmons, Graham Park and Mayor Peter Tennant went an extra mile to make everyone feel very welcome and to stage a stellar finale to the most successful World Cup season on record.
A few quotes:
From Libby Burrell, USAT National Team Programme Director: Dear Terry and Graham, On behalf of all our athletes and support staff I would like to take the opportunity of thanking you for an incredible adventure in Taranaki. The race, the support and the hospitality was absolutely amazing. USA Triathlon says thank you to you and your crew for a wonderful season ending event and assure you we will be back in 2006.
From Mayor Peter Tennent to Terry Sheldake, Race Director: Wow! What an event! I have had nothing but positive feedback from locals and visitors alike. Congratulations on pulling it all together and ensuring, with your team, that we had an event that firmly establishes New Zealand back on the world cup circuit! A HUGE thanks for your time, effort, and total commitment to making it happen beyond all expectations. Terry you did this community, and more particularly this country very, very proud!
From Greg and Laura Bennett: Greg and I wanted to send you note of congrats on pulling off a great >race on the weekend. We feel everything was organized very professionally and brought about a very successful race. Everyone involved was super friendly and very helpful. Your enthusiasm to make a great race brought a huge amount of enjoyment to the event selection to volunteers to crowds to the awards night—fantastic. We look forward to the race next year and hoping it turns out the way you have envisioned it to evolve.
From Mayor Peter Tennent to Graham Park: Congratulations and a HUGE thanks, for your commitment and tireless effort in getting New Plymouth established on the triathlon world map you are truly a legend!!! I have had nothing but positive feedback from locals and visitors alike. Graham - on behalf of this community, thanks for the positive difference you make!!!