A recent release from British Triathlon notes that Canary Wharf will host one of the most exciting new sports events of the summer on the evening of Thursday 30 June 2011, as a brand-new race is added to the British Triathlon Super Series calendar.
Some of the world’s best elite triathletes will take on a Super-Sprint eliminator in what promises to be a high-octane spectacle around the famous Canary Wharf business and shopping district.
Through a series of heats, 50 starters will be ruthlessly whittled down to 20 for the grand final. Each heat will comprise just 30 minutes of fast-paced, flat-out swimming (400m), cycling (10K) and running (2K).
Zara Hyde Peters OBE, the Chief Executive Officer of British Triathlon, welcomed the announcement of the GE Canary Wharf Triathlon. “The GE Canary Wharf Triathlon promises to be a ground-breaking event.
“For the first time since Strathclyde Country Park in 2008, the British Triathlon Super Series will include a Super-Sprint event as elite triathletes compete at close quarters against the stunning backdrop of Canary Wharf.
“It has always been our ambition to bring more triathlon to the heart of British cities and this is a fantastic opportunity.
“The event will provide an incredible spectator experience with the prime evening timing and compact course allowing triathlon and sport fans alike to get up close and personal with world class athletes in our fast growing, dynamic and modern Olympic sport.”
London born triathlete and last year’s Super Series winner Tim Don gave his backing to the race. “It’s fantastic to have such an iconic new venue included in the Super Series. The super sprint format will ensure high octane racing and huge excitement for athletes and spectators alike.”
In addition to the elite performers, Canary Wharf-based companies are being invited to enter in a ‘corporate wave’ relay event that will see successful entrants race the same course as the elites. This exclusive race will take place between the heats and finals of the elite races.
Said Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE UK added, “This new race sponsorship further strengthens GE’s commitment to the British Triathlon Federation and to one of the most exciting and fastest growing sports in the UK.
“This new race is unique in allowing local businesses the chance to compete alongside and be inspired by elite triathletes from the UK and around the world against the iconic backdrop of Canary Wharf.”
Sian Astrop, Arts & Events Manager at Canary Wharf Group plc noted “Canary Wharf is fast becoming a centre for world class competitive sporting events, which is hugely exciting given the Olympics are just around the corner.
“Canary Wharf is the perfect location for the GE Canary Wharf Triathlon, with the fast paced course of the North and South Colonnades circling Canary Wharf’s outdoor landscaped areas of Cabot Square and Canada Square Park.”
The event will see North and South Colonnade, Canada and Cabot Square at Canary Wharf closed for approximately from 5pm to 10pm on the evening of 30 June; however all public car parks will be kept open throughout.
The GE Canary Wharf Triathlon is the final event to be announced in the 2011 Super Series. The full calendar is as follows:
GE Strathclyde Park Triathlon – 22 May 2011
Blenheim Triathlon – 4 June 2011
Toshiba Windsor Triathlon – 12 June 2011
GE Canary Wharf Triathlon – 30 June 2011
Virgin Active London Triathlon – 30 July 2011
www.britishtriathlonsuperseries.com
www.britishtriathlon.org
