With the debut of the USA Triathlon Elite Race Series in 2011, USA Triathlon (USAT) has created a domestic, six-event US series that delivers an opportunity for the nation’s top Olympic-distance triathletes to compete for more than US$300,000 in prize money and a series title.
In tandem with this, US elite triathletes shall use the series to hone their draft-legal racing skills necessary to challenge for the podium at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The six events that comprise the series will be held in Orlando Region, Florida (5 March), Miami, Florida (22 May), Seattle Region, Washington (25 June), San Francisco, California (9 July), Buffalo, New York (24 September) and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (8 October).
Each site also will host an age-group race in conjunction with the elite event.
"The USA Triathlon Elite Race Series offers elite triathletes the opportunity to compete in the type of high-level, draft-legal events that are rarely contested in the United States," said USA Triathlon National Events Director Jeff Dyrek.
"Additionally, multisport fans on both coasts will have the chance to watch America’s Olympic hopefuls in action and witness first-hand the excitement of draft-legal racing."
Each event will offer prize purses ranging from US$30,000 to US$75,000. A total purse of US$305,000 will be on the line over the course of the series.
To be eligible for the series title, an athlete must compete in a minimum of three series events. Each athlete’s top three finishes will be used to calculate the series standings. The top 10 finishers in each event will earn points toward the series title and a US$60,000 overall series prize purse.
The overall series winner for each gender will earn a US$10,000 bonus. The top five men and women in the series standings will split the overall series prize purse.
Both the USA Triathlon Elite National Championship in Buffalo, NY, on 24 September, and the 8 October series finale in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will be worth double points.
The Buffalo event will feature a US$75,000 prize purse – $25,000 of which will serve as a bonus for the top-five American finishers. US$50,000 will be up for grabs in Myrtle Beach.
Several of the events may be a part of the to-be-announced 2011 International Triathlon Union (ITU) Pan American Cup series. A maximum field of 75 elite athletes per gender will hit the starting line.
"It is very exciting to have a draft-legal race series in the US leading into London 2012," said Jarrod Shoemaker, 2008 US Olympian and USA Triathlon National Team member.
“Draft-legal races are extremely different from non-drafting races, and for US athletes it is important to race in this format. This series also will increase exposure for both athletes and media to the draft-legal format."
Shoemaker added, "Spectators who attend these races will be able to watch more of the race than at any other triathlon. With athletes passing the same point multiple times during the race, it is a more energetic environment for both spectators and athletes."
2011 USA Triathlon Elite Race Series
Date / City / Event / Prize Purse
Mar 5 / Orlando Region, Florida / The Draft Legal Challenge at Clermont / USUS$30,000
May 22 / Miami, Florida / Miami Speed Triathlon / US$30,000
Jun 25 / Seattle Region, Washington / TriMonroe – Gateway to Adventure / US$30,000
Jul 9 / San Francisco, California / San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island / US$30,000
Sep 24 / Buffalo, NY / Nickel City Triathlon / US$75,000
Oct 8 / Myrtle Beach, South Carolina / Myrtle Beach Triathlon / US$50,000
