Search
shop

Kyle Smith ‘honoured’ to earn Collins Cup call-up

Kiwi Kyle Smith is one of the next generation in middle and long course triathlon - but could easily still be working on a building site
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

New Zealand young gun Kyle Smith has described being selected as a captain’s pick for the inaugural Collins Cup as an ‘honour’ and he is ‘super stoked’ to test himself against the best in the world.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed an exceptional 2020/21 season to date. Smith earned victories over the middle-distance at the Rotorua Suffer, Tauranga Half and Challenge Wanaka during the New Zealand summer – all in course record time.

Kyle Smith / Challenge Wanaka 2021

He followed that up with a third place at IRONMAN New Zealand (his first attempt at the full distance), and fifth place at IRONMAN 70.3 Elsinore where he faced off against several of Europe’s finest triathlon stars.

His performances across the year have impressed Team Internationals’ captains Lisa Bentley and Simon Whitfield enough to earn him one of two Collins Cup spots on the men’s side of the roster.

Collins Cup Team Internationals Captain's Picks

“I’m super stoked to receive the call-up from the Team International captains to race in the inaugural Collins Cup,” said Smith.

“It will be an honour to line up alongside the athletes who I have idolised for a long time. With that being said, I have every intention of showing the world my skill set and can’t wait to toe the line August 28th.

“The Collins Cup will without doubt be exciting and I’ll give it my best shot to make my part.”

The Collins Cup, which is the brainchild of the Professional Triathletes’ Organisation, makes its first appearance on the triathlon calendar at the end of August, taking place in Šamorín, Slovakia.

36 of the world’s best triathletes will take part in a Ryder Cup style event with 12 three-person races to determine who rules triathlon.

And the New Zealander praised the PTO for their support to the sport over the past 18 months joking that without the organisation he’d still be working in construction rather than racing against the best:

“I would like to thank the PTO for what they are and what they stand for, without which I may still be laying bricks on a building site instead of seeing triathlon as a viable career option.”

The Collins Cup takes place on Saturday, August 28.

Stuart Dick
Written by
Stuart Dick
Stuart is a graduate of the University of Sunderland with a masters' degree in Sports Journalism. He spends a lot of his time running and cycling around West Yorkshire, England.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
‘The more co-operation the better’ – Challenge Roth chief welcomes IRONMAN CEO’s visit
joe-skipper-kona-2022-bike
Joe Skipper says his Challenge Roth experience proves just how high the bar now is in triathlon
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...