One of the most experienced and well respected riders in British cycling, Rob Hayles, has signed up to take part in the London Triathlon, ‘the world’s biggest triathlon’, which will take place on the 2-3 August 2014 at the Excel Docklands in East London.
The three time Olympic medallist and double Track World Champion, who is coach and close friend to Omega Pharma-Quick Step professional cyclist Mark Cavendish, will take on the bike leg of an Olympic distance team-relay at the event, which attracts 13,000 participants each year.
Highlighting that triathlon can be enjoyed by those who may not be ready to take on all three disciplines and prefer to start their experience as part of a team, Hayles’ relay team will be made up of himself, one charity participant fundraising for Rob’s chosen charity, Right to Play, while the third spot will be offered as a competition to a lucky triathlon fan via the event’s Facebook page facebook/londontri.
Hayles said “I was a professional cyclist for over 15 years but I am always looking to try new sports and take on new challenges. My wife has completed a few challenges recently so I was told it was my turn to get involved. Triathlon is growing at an incredible rate and it is a sport that has always intrigued me. I am really excited to make my debut in the sport at an event of this size and stature and I can’t wait to cycle past all the famous landmarks in London.”
As a professional athlete Rob competed alongside the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish to form some of the most successful teams in world cycling and is now providing commentary on the biggest cycling events around the world. Rob will be looking to use this knowledge and experience to lead his team at the London Triathlon.
He said, “Taking on the three disciplines of a triathlon can be slightly daunting and very time consuming, so it’s great to be taking part alongside two teammates. Cycling is generally considered to be an individual sport but I have been lucky enough to compete in teams with some of the sport’s greatest athletes so I know the benefit of having teammates. It really helps to have them supporting you along the way and I’m very glad to have some help on my first ever triathlon!”
The London Triathlon is part of the IMG Challenger World event portfolio and the 2014 event will not be the first time Rob has been involved with IMG’s events. In 2012, Rob took on Etape Pennines, an IMG Challenger World event – billed as one of the UK’s toughest sportives.
The event has previously seen celebrities including Jenson Button, Vernon Kay, David Hasselhoff, Melanie Chisholm, Richard Branson and Nell McAndrew take part. In 2013 fellow Olympians Louis Smith, Jade Jones and Nicola Adams also took part in a team-relay.
Over 85% of general entries have been sold for the 2014 London Triathlon and the event looks set to sell out any day so hopeful participants are urged to register now at thelondontriathlon.co.uk.
James Robinson, Managing Director at event organiser IMG Challenger World, said, “It’s really exciting to have Rob Hayles signed up for the London Triathlon. Rob is a legend in the world of cycling having been an integral part of Britain’s ‘golden era’ in the spot. Taking part in a team is a great way to experience the event with friends, colleagues or family, so I’m sure Rob can pass on his experience too all those taking part together.”
James continued, “The London Triathlon is growing year on year and 2014 is shaping up to be another fantastic event. With only a handful of places remaining for the 2014 event, we urge all participants to book their place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
Participants have registered for the event from as far and wide as Paris, Hamburg, Texas, Hong Kong, Mexico, New York, Belgium, Australia, Scotland and Romania. The event will also see a great diversity amongst the field with a strong female demographic and participant ages ranging from 18 to 75.
The world’s biggest triathlon will take place on 2-3 August 2014 offering a variety of distances to participants with Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Olympic Plus waves available for general entry, as well as the option to compete as individuals or as part of a team relay. There is something to suit everyone from elite athletes trying to shave vital seconds off their personal bests, to complete novices taking on a new challenge.
Triathlon has become one of the fastest growing mainstream sports in the world and a popular alternative to cycling, swimming or running. In the UK, triathlon’s profile was given a boost by 2012 British Olympic champions Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, who won gold and bronze medals respectively, inspiring people to get involved in the sport. A year on from their heroics, ‘the London Triathlon is helping turn inspiration to participation with demand for places greater than ever.’
The London Triathlon is supported by: Bose (Official Partner), Cycleguard (Official Bike Insurance Partner), Erdinger (Official Partner), Maxifuel (Official Nutrition Partner), Positive (Official Hydration Partner), Skechers Performance (Official Footwear Sponsor), Tri UK (Official Retailer), Virgin Active (Official Health Club Partner), Zone 3 (Official Swim Partner), Triathlon Plus (Official Media Partner), Tri 247 (Official Media Partner), and Marathon Photos (Official Photographers).
