World Triathlon Corp (WTC) has expanded the footprint of its new 5150 triathlon series in Europe.
With seven events now in place for Europe in 2011, this builds on the three events in Germany, Austria and Switzerland that were already in place when WTC unveiled the 5150 Olympic/International distance format back in October 2010.
Embracing the popularity of Olympic distance racing, all events within the 5150 Triathlon Series include a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run: 51.5K or 51,500m in total, hence ‘5150’.
According to WTC, the 2011 5150 Triathlon Series will be the largest international/Olympic distance triathlon series in the world and will be the first non-drafting international race series of its kind, offering a competitive platform for professional and amateur athletes alike.
2011 5150 Series in Europe
Jun 5 – 5150 Darmstadt (Darmstadt, Germany)
Jun 12 – 5150 Klagenfurt (Klagenfurt, Austria)
Jun 26 – 5150 Liverpool (Liverpool, UK)
Jul 9 – 5150 Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland)
Jul 23 – 5150 Munich (Munich, Germany)
Sep 10 – 5150 Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Oct 2 – 5150 Tenerife (Tenerife, Spain)
It is understood that the final European event in 2011, 5150 Tenerife, will host the 5150 European Championships.
Although, it is worth noting the focus that WTC is placing on Germany, with the European series opener in Darmstadt (originally unveiled as Frankfurt) and two new events in the iconic German cities of Munich and Berlin.
The Liverpool Triathlon’s move towards the 5150 banner reaffirms the importance of the UK market, which already has a packed field of iron distance races on offer for 2011: Ironman UK, Ironman Wales, Challenge Henley, the Outlaw, Forestman and Big Woody.
At the time of writing, the Liverpool, Klagenfurt and Zurich 5150 Series events are open for registration. All other European events are expected to open up to tri fans in February.
