IRONMAN and the city of Pula, Croatia, have announced the official launch of the IRONMAN 70.3 Pula triathlon. The inaugural race will take place on 20 September 2015.
Pula is situated on the beautiful Adriatic coast and on the south of the Istrian peninsula in a well-protected bay, known by its Latin name Pietas Iulia. A release from IRONMAN notes that ‘Pula is a city with numerous ruins from ancient times, where nearly every stone has a story to tell.’ Legend says that Colchis seafarers in search of the Golden Fleece established Pula some 3,000 years ago.
“We are very pleased to welcome IRONMAN to the beautiful country of Croatia,” said Boris Miletic, Mayor of Pula. “As the mayor of Pula, I am very proud that Pula and the region of Istria will host this race and its athletes and we will make every effort to help them feel right at home. We wish all the athletes the best of luck for a successful and enjoyable race.”
Athletes will swim in the pristine waters of the protected coastal bay which was given the Blue Flag award. The fast one loop bike course passes through several small picturesque villages, old cypress avenues and inland vineyards and makes its way back to the marina of Pula.
The relatively flat three-lap run course will lead athletes through the historic 3,000 year old town of Pula, including attractions such as the Augustus temple and the triumphal arc. The finish line will be in the Pula Amphitheater – a first in the history of IRONMAN.
“We are continuously looking to add more opportunities for our athletes to experience an IRONMAN race in Europe,” added Thomas Dieckhoff, CEO of IRONMAN Europe, Middle East & Africa. “Pula is a great new addition to the 2015 IRONMAN European Tour and we look forward to an exciting race in the beautiful region of Istria.”
General registration for the IRONMAN 70.3 Pula triathlon is now open at ironman.com/pula70.3.
IRONMAN 70.3 Pula will offer 30 age group slots to the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
www.ironman.com/pula70.3
www.pulainfo.hr
www.ironman.com
