Gold Coast to host 2015 ITU World Triathlon Series
ITU World Triathlon Series, September 9, 2014: The ITU World Triathlon Series is coming to Queensland following a successful bid by the State Government. The International Triathlon Union has confirmed the Gold Coast will host a leg of the series from the 10-12 April 2015, positioning Queensland as Australia’s home of triathlon.
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey welcomed the announcement and said it would strengthen Queensland’s reputation as a premier sporting event destination.
“This is a tremendous tourism coup for the Gold Coast. The city is now the only Australian location to feature on the 2015 ITU calendar alongside the likes of London and Chicago,” said Ms Stuckey.
“More than 4,000 interstate and international visitors are expected to attend the 2015 Gold Coast ITU World Series delivering significant economic and social benefits to the entire Gold Coast.
“The Newman Government is committed to supporting events and tourism initiatives which drive increased visitation to our state and reinforce tourism as one of the four pillars of Queensland’s economy.”
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) CEO Leanne Coddington said TEQ was proud to continue its successful partnership with IRONMAN Asia-Pacific, with yet another high-profile triathlon event coming to the state.
“Participatory sporting events have a proven track-record in delivering significant tourism outcomes for the host destination,” said Ms Coddington.
“The Noosa and Mooloolaba Triathlons, Cairns Airport Adventure Festival and IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast generated $43.4 million in combined direct and incremental spending in 2013.
“TEQ looks forward to continuing to partner with Triathlon Australia, ITU and IRONMAN Asia Pacific to secure further international triathlon events for Queensland.”
IRONMAN Asia-Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer enthusiastically welcomed the announcement stating, “Triathlon has a special place here in Queensland and is a celebration of the active outdoor lifestyle.”
“Our events in Queensland have long been a breeding ground for some of the greatest athletes in the world of triathlon over many years and we look forward to continuing with this tradition” said Mr Meyer.
“We are thrilled to be bringing ITU racing back to the Gold Coast and in doing so, will be further positioning Queensland as a renowned training and racing home base for all involved in our wonderful sport both now and into the future.”
ITU President Marisol Casado proudly announced the addition of the Gold Coast to the global series and stated, “The ITU Executive Board is very pleased to include the Gold Coast in our 2015 race calendar; it is a city we have always considered as a central point of triathlon.”
Triathlon Australia CEO Anne Gripper expressed her delight that Australia would once again host a race in the ITU’s top tier World Triathlon Series, saying “It is great that Australian athletes will have the chance to secure Olympic and ITU ranking points, competing on home soil against the best athletes in the world in a high-quality event staged by trusted event organisers IRONMAN Asia Pacific and backed by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Gold Coast City Council.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was thrilled with the news as it further boosted the Gold Coast’s status as a world class sporting destination.
“Our city already has a proud triathlon heritage, boasting a number of homegrown stars. We have a great track record of hosting major sporting events like this one, having previously staged a leg of this event in 2009,” he said.
“Our long term vision is to continue to host sporting events of this calibre to ensure a legacy following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games™.”
Media Contacts:
Minister Stuckey’s office: Jarrad Brevi 3719 7240 / 0439 291 268
Tourism and Events Queensland: Bethany Lawrence 3535 5020 / 0431 294 625