Wellington, New Zealand & Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia (March 6, 2008) - Four Olympic spots will be at stake this weekend at two separate ITU continental championships; the African Triathlon Championships in Tunisia and the Oceania Triathlon Championships in New Zealand. The men's and women's winners at each event will earn their country an Olympic spot (provided that athlete hasn't already earned an Olympic spot for their country).

The ATU Triathlon African Championships marks the first time an ITU-sanctioned race will take place in Tunisia, the newest National Federation that joined the ITU family last year. However, South Africa enters as the heavy favorite to win both men's and women's races.

Among the elite men, all eyes will be on Hendrik DeVilliers who will be looking to defend his title. DeVilliers broke through in 2007 winning the Richards Bay BG Triathlon World Cup and becoming the first African triathlete to ever stand atop the world cup podium.

In the women's field, the battle for the African crown will likely be between defending champion Kate Roberts and last year's runner-up Mari Rabie, both of South Africa. The two have dominated this event winning the last three years between them.

The elite races cap off a busy week in Tunisia as ITU is also conducting level 1 coaches and officials clinics to help support the growth of triathlon in Africa. Situated just south of the capital Tunis, Yasmine Hammamet is Tunisia's newest resort. The town overlooks the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Hammamet at the beginning of the Cap Bon peninsula, which is 140 kilometers from Sicily.

2008 ATU Triathlon African Championships - Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia
Saturday March 8, 2008
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite women - 12:20pm (UTC/GMT +1)
Elite men - 3:00pm (UTC/GMT +1)
Click here for more information including schedules and full start lists

In Wellington, a clash between Australia and New Zealand awaits. With Olympic spots at stake, the Oceania Championships have lured in the best in the world.

Athens Olympic silver medalist Bevan Docherty and three-time world cup winner Kris Gemmell lead the Kiwi charge. Both have been named to the New Zealand Olympic team for Beijing but will be looking to take the Oceania title in their nation's capital. A large Australian contingent will be represented and in need of a win because Australia is in danger of not qualifying three men for Beijing. Triple world champion Peter Robertson, who missed most of 2007 after a nasty food poisoning incident, looks to get back on track in 2008.

On the women's side, last year's world number two Emma Moffatt and 2005 world cup series champion Annabel Luxford are hoping to impress Australian Olympic selectors with solid performances. Victory this weekend along with a medal at the Mooloolaba BG Triathlon World Cup later this month could very well secure a spot on the Olympic team.

The home team counters with a powerful trio that includes Debbie Tanner and Sam Warriner, who were both named to the Olympic team, and Andrea Hewitt. Contending for the third and final Olympic spot, Hewitt will find a worthy challenger in Nicky Samuels, who has won a series of races on the New Zealand circuit this year.

2008 OCA Triathlon Oceania Championships - Wellington, New Zealand
Sunday March 9, 2008
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite men - 10:15am (UTC/GMT +12)
Elite women - 10:20am (UTC/GMT +12)
Click here for more information including schedules and full start lists