Date Confirmed for 2011 World Cup Triathlon in Auckland
The International Triathlon Union today confirmed the date for the Auckland event as part of the 2011 ITU Triathlon World Cup season. Set to take place on 20 November, it will act as a test event for the 2012 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Grand Final set for the same downtown Auckland course in 2012.
In all, New Zealand has hosted seven World Cups, including most recently in 2008 in New Plymouth but this will be the first time since 1998 that Auckland has hosted an ITU World Cup race. New Zealand triathletes have enjoyed phenomenal success in the World Cup series, winning 38 in total, fourth all-time list of nations. Last June, Auckland was awarded the 2012 World Championship Grand Final, the crown jewel on the annual ITU calendar.
Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche says the confirmation and inclusion in the ITU calendar takes the event to a new level, with a date to plan for and plenty to organize.
“The World Cup will be hosted on the same course as the 2012 Grand Final so it will be a great opportunity for athletes to test out the course and come experience what Auckland has to offer,” said Beeche. “We look forward to welcoming all the athletes and delivering an outstanding event in the city of sails.
“This has been a great team effort to get to this point and it is with the continued support of Auckland City, SPARC and Major Events New Zealand that we will present a great event and a great snapshot of Auckland and New Zealand to a worldwide audience. This is a considerable undertaking and one that Tri NZ could not begin to consider without the support from these organizations and our commercial partners.”
The ITU too is looking forward to a return to Auckland.
“With a rich 20-year history, the ITU Triathlon World Cup series continues to play a vital role in our goal of expanding the sport and reaching all corners of the globe,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. “The event will build momentum for next year’s Grand Final, attracting young, energetic athletes in this region.”
2011 ITU Triathlon World Cup Series:
March 26-27: Mooloolaba, Australia
April 17: Ishigaki, Japan
May 8: Monterrey, Mexico
July 10: Edmonton, Canada
August 14: Tiszaujvaros, Hungary
October 9: Huatulco, Mexico
October 15: Tongyeong, South Korea
November 6: Guatapé, Colombia
November 20: Auckland, New Zealand
The ITU Triathlon World Cup began as ITU's flagship series. Showcasing the world's top triathletes, the World Cup circuit has travelled to 30 different countries since 1991. It continues to play a significant role in developing the sport and athletes across the world.