The South Island’s biggest winter multisport event is known for attracting a strong field of multisport competitors from around the South Island however this year there’s a new group of challengers looking to make a mark on the competition.
Hailing from St Josephs Primary School in Queenstown, this team of 9-12 year olds are looking to show they’ve got what it takes to foot it with the adults in this test of skill and endurance. Racing with an adult minder, the team will negotiate the route from the top of the Remarkables Ski Field, down the mountain road, across Lake Wakatipu and then back up to the base of the Coronet Ski Field in the 23rd annual Peak to Peak competition. A challenge for even the fittest adults, we’re stoked to see the next generation of athletes getting out there and giving it a go.
Along with a number of other great supporters, we’re stoked to lend a hand to the team as they take on the 23rd edition of this iconic race. We asked Team Captain Todd Vermeir for a comment – his words below.
Hi I’m Todd Vermeir and I am 12 years old and Team Captain of the 7 Torpedoes. We are a group of kids from St Josephs Primary School, Queenstown and we are taking on the Peak to Peak 2016. Our ages vary from 9-12 with 7 kids each doing a bit on their own!! Everyone is really excited and raring to go and we are very happy about being the first kids’ team to take on this challenge. Our training plan and sponsors’ gear are a vital part in this race; with our training making us faster and fitter and our gear, ranging from rehydration drinks to puffer jackets to swag kit, helping us perform better. Thanks to Torpedo7, Pure, Fetch, Cookies MTB, The Heritage Hotel, Mons Royale, Thomson Plastering, STO & The Lone Star.
Also a big thanks to the parents getting all the sponsors on board, cheering us on and helping us with our training.
Cheers Todd
TV3’s Story program recently ran an article on the team discussing what a typical training day looks like. To see the footage and hear what they had to say take a look here.
The team as you might otherwise know them…
… and as they appear as the 7 Torpedos!
Some wet weather training with Ali from Cookies MTB Coaching. 36km while drawing on the Tour de France for inspiration!
Plenty of hill training needed for this competition. Todd out doing the hard yards in Bob’s Cove.
Racers will be supported by an adult on all legs – we hope they’re clocking up the training too!
Clocking up some more training miles with Ali from Cookies MTB Coaching. This time on the Coronet Peak access road.
Words from Samuel “the Rhino ”
Hi I am Samuel the youngest member of the 7 Torpedos, I am doing the bike ride up Coronet Peak. I have been training hard biking up Tobins track, Coronet Peak and Skyline (fuelled by Pure Nutrition) I have also been running, swimming and skiing as part of my training. I’m nervous riding against people like Kate Fluker. Ali my bike coach is getting s speaker put on her bike so we can listen to some tunes on the way up to help distract me.
I am really grateful for all the support we are getting and the sponsors help.
Our team will charge through the competition like a rhino.
Charlotte looking for short cuts in her attempt to go faster on the ski leg… 😉
Descent training on the Remarkables access road.
Too rough for kayaking so inside for some laps of the pool for Zoe.
On snow at Coronet Peak being interviewed for TV3’s Story news program!
