ADELAIDE AWARDED 2015 DUATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Posted in Other News

TRIATHLON, WEDNESDAY, October 24: In a major coup, Triathlon Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission are pleased to announce that the 2015 Duathlon World Championships has been awarded to Adelaide.

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) Executive Board made the decision during the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Auckland last weekend after reviewing the bid document submitted by Triathlon Australia and Events South Australia.

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Photo Credit: Delly Carr (ITU) Caption (L-R) ITU Oceania representative Jenny Mann; reigning ITU World Duathlon champion Felicity Sheedy-Ryan and Triathlon Australia’s National Manager Athlete Development Craig Redman all smiles for Adelaide.

The Duathlon, a multisport event which is part of the triathlon family of events, comprises a 10km run, 40km cycle and a second 5km run. There will also be shorter distance events conducted over the World Championships weekend.

The 2015 ITU Duathlon World Championships will see the very best Australian and international elite duathletes compete for over $100,000 in prize money.

In conjunction with the elite race, Adelaide will also host an age group event for over 1000 age group athletes, or “weekend warriors” as they are known, who will battle it out to be recognised as the World Champion in their age category.

Current Duathlon World Champion, Australia’s own Felicity Sheedy-Ryan, speaking in Auckland after competing in the 2012 Triathlon World Championships this weekend, expressed her delight at the prospect of being able to continue training for her preferred discipline of duathlon, knowing that she would have the chance to compete in front of a home crowd.

“It’s very exciting indeed, to have such a prestigious event such as the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Australia and in such a beautiful city like Adelaide will be ideal – it may be in 2015 but it certainly gives us all something to aim for,” said Sheedy Ryan, who dominated the scenic 10km run, 40km bike, 5km run course in Nancy, France this year.

Sheedy-Ryan joined Jenny Alcorn (1992) and noted ITU World Triathlon champion Jackie Gallagher (1996 and 1999) as Australia’s latest world Duathlon champion.

Anne Gripper, CEO of Triathlon Australia said: “We look forward to working with our hosts and major funding partners, Events South Australia and the Adelaide City Council to ensure an exceptional South Australian experience for the competitors and their supporters.”

“We are fortunate to have the experience of ITU Oceania Representative Jenny Mann who managed the organisation of the 2005 Duathlon World Championships in Newcastle providing leadership to the 2015 bid and organisation.”

The course is expected to centre around the Riverbank precinct, Montefiore Hill and North Adelaide.

Further details of the event will be announced over the next few months. The most up to date information can be found on the Triathlon Australia web site www.triathlon.org.au

Contacts:

Jenny Mann Anne Gripper
0421 648 022 0409 813 260

Issued on behalf of Triathlon Australia.