The New Zealand triathlete Tony Dodds has again backed his local Contact Tri Series race in Wanaka next January with a $10,000 bonus if anyone can beat him.
The 'Doddsy Challenge' has become something of a highlight of the summer of racing, with Wanaka local Dodds generating the money through local sponsors and supporters and putting it on the line to the winner, with the twist being if he wins the race himself, the money all goes to charity.
The cash and no doubt the venue has certainly turned the super sprint race into an early season international clash, with world No.8 Laurent Vidal amongst those to regularly line up at Lake Wanaka - last year the Frenchman won the cash from Ryan Sissons and Dodds.
The Contact Series race takes place on Friday January 18 and forms part of a weekend of racing with the Challenge Wanaka events taking place on the Saturday.
There are races for the elite men and women but also events for all abilities and age groups from the Contact 1:2:1 for children to the Contact 3:9:3 for those looking for a sharp and fast hit out or a gentle introduction to the sport.