The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has opened up the bidding process for the 2015 ITU World Triathlon Championships to all National Federations and cities interested in hosting the final race of the 2015 World Triathlon Series.
“ITU is committed to hosting top level events in iconic cities,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “As our sport continues to rise in popularity, we believe hosting the ITU World Triathlon Championships offers cities the possibility to showcase their city to a global audience.”
>>> 2015 ITU World Triathlon Championships bid document
For the 2009 triathlon season, ITU’s World Championships were revamped, expanding the former single-day World Championship race into an exciting multi-city global series, during which athletes vie for prize money totalling more than US$2 million.
In December 2011, the International Triathlon Union (ITU), in collaboration with its global marketing partner Upsolut Sports, rebranded the then World Championship Series to create a stronger and cleaner brand, with the series re-titled as the ITU World Triathlon Series.
The series culminates with the ITU World Triathlon Championships, which will continue to be called the World Triathlon Grand Final through 2013.
In addition to crowning the elite ITU World Champions, the World Championships include the junior and Under23 divisions, as well as Paratriathlon, Aquathlon and age group races. The week of action also includes the annual ITU Congress, which has representation from more than 140 countries.
Hosting the World Triathlon Championships 2015 offers cities the opportunity to showcase themselves to millions via worldwide television audiences while attracting thousands of international guests and race participants.
With record high participants in 2012, the Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Auckland, New Zealand, reportedly generated a 307% return on national investment, while television exposure for the overall series increased by 18%.
The 2013 World Triathlon Series will conclude with the recently title-sponsored PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final London at the iconic Olympic venue in Hyde Park from 11-15 September 2013. This gives all participating athletes the opportunity to compete on the same stage as the 2012 Olympians.
The 2014 World Triathlon Championships were recently awarded to Edmonton, Canada, which previously hosted the event in 2001.
A formal announcement publicizing the selected host city for the 2015 Grand Final will be made at the ITU World Triathlon Yokohama event in May 2013.
