Wanaka triathlon supporters intend to offer a $10,000 first prize to the male winner of the Contact Cup race on January 20, in what Triathlon New Zealand officials believe would be the largest first prize in this country for a short-course event.
Triathlon New Zealand chief executive Craig Waugh said yesterday he would be surprised if another similar triathlon offered more money in New Zealand, although he could not be sure what amounts private event organisers intended to offer this summer.
Triathlon World Championships chief executive Dave Beeche said yesterday the Wanaka first prize was "a great idea" and was more than the US$6250 (NZ$8063) first prize on offer at this weekend's first prize at the ITU world cup in Auckland.
The prize is being offered by Wanaka-based elite athlete Tony Dodds (24), Lake Wanaka Tourism and sponsors.
The "Doddsy International Challenge" began last year when Dodds promised to double the $2000 prize if anyone could beat him.
Laurent Vidal, of France, won the cash in a nail-biting finish.
This year, Dodds has decided to quintuple the prize if anyone can beat him.
There is already $5000 in the pot and Lake Wanaka Tourism this week called for $200 pledges from supporters and businesses.
If Dodds wins, he will donate the total prize to a cystic fibrosis charity.
Challenge Wanaka's long-distance triathlon on January 21 offers first prizes of $14,500.
