Challenge Family, Just Racing UK, the European Triathlon Union (ETU) and British Triathlon have confirmed that Challenge Weymouth UK will host the 2015 ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships on Sunday 13 September 2015.
Famous for its fine Georgian seafront and long golden, sandy beaches, Weymouth offers up a stunning and historic race location. Despite the event only being in its first year, it has already gained considerable attention on an international level.
And it’s clear to see what makes the event so special. Opening with a sea swim, in the protected, clear, blue waters of Weymouth bay the rolling bike course then weaves through the stunning local countryside offering competitors a fast and smooth course, taking in the beautiful surrounding terrain. The run then leads through Weymouth town, with entertainment and music throughout, which look set to make it an experience for all athletes and spectators.
Renato Bertrandi, President of the ETU is very pleased to be able to formally announce the new ETU Championship location and he said, “We are happy to confirm that the Long Distance European Championships will take place in Weymouth UK in 2015. I am sure that all our long distance athletes, elite and age group, will not lose the occasion to compete in order to fight for the European title.
“As per this season, the European Championships will be over the full and half distance and we have already announced the half distance at Challenge Rimini. We are sure that the collaboration with Challenge will deliver excellent and safe races.”
Ian Howard, British Triathlon President added, “Long distance triathlon is hugely popular with our Home Nation’s members and we are delighted to be able to work in partnership with Challenge Family, Just Racing UK, the European Triathlon Union and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council to bring the 2015 ETU Challenge Long Distance Triathlon European Championships to Weymouth, host venue for the London 2012 Olympic Sailing races.
“The opportunity to deliver a major triathlon event in an iconic location like Weymouth is very exciting and I am sure it will be an event not be missed for competitors and spectators alike.”
Challenge Family CEO, Zibi Szlufcik said, “With the very passionate crew of Challenge Weymouth, and the excellent support of British Triathlon; the 2015 ETU European Championships will become the pinnacle of long distance racing in Europe.”
He added, “It is the only official European Long Distance Championship event, and will offer athletes all ages the amazing opportunity to represent their respective country and enjoy warm hospitality of the Weymouth community. We are willing to deliver nothing less than [a] best ever ETU Championship event in 2015, and the 2014 event provides an excellent opportunity for athletes to test the course.”
Alan Rose, Challenge Weymouth Race Director is delighted to learn that Challenge Weymouth has been presented with Championship status and he said, “We are extremely honoured and proud to be able to make this announcement, and it is very much a reflection as to how hard the Just Racing UK events team have worked to deliver Challenge within the UK over the last four years. We are confident that this will significantly strengthen the reputation of Challenge in the UK, and we look forward to welcoming a truly world-class field to our event.”
A limited number of entries are still available to this year’s inaugural Challenge Weymouth and Weymouth Half events at challengeweymouth.com.
The Challenge Family series of triathlons features 31 full and half distance races around the world, including the world’s largest long distance triathlon – Challenge Roth in Germany. The birthplace of the Challenge Family, Challenge Roth now features over 5,500 athletes and 220,000 spectators and is home to both long distance tri world records held by Andreas Raelert (GER) and Chrissie Wellington (GBR).
Since 2002, races throughout Europe, UK, Australasia, Middle East, Asia, North America and South America have joined Roth. Together they aim to ‘provide athletes with a new experience of long distance racing with a strong focus on athlete and spectator experience, giving back to the community while respecting the legacy of sport and being committed to its continued growth.’
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