The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced the addition of Auckland, New Zealand, to its 2011 ITU Triathlon World Cup season. Set to take place on 20 November 2011, it will act as a test event for the 2012 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Grand Final.
New Zealand has enjoyed phenomenal success in the World Cup series, winning 38 in total, fourth all-time. Last June, Auckland was awarded the 2012 World Championship Grand Final, the crown jewel on the annual ITU calendar.
The ITU Triathlon World Cup series travels to the largest urban city in New Zealand for the first time since 1998. In all, New Zealand has hosted seven World Cups, including most recently in 2008 in New Plymouth.
“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.”
“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 Dave Beeche, who will lead the organizing committee as the newly appointed CEO.
“We look forward to welcoming all the athletes and delivering an outstanding event in the city of sails.”
Beeche was instrumental in bringing the Grand Final and World Cup to Auckland as the CEO of Triathlon New Zealand for the past five years.
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: Guatap
