IMG, a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, in partnership with the Fengtai Sports Bureau of Beijing, has announced the elite pro field set to race in the 2015 Beijing International Triathlon taking place on 20 September, in the Fengtai District of Beijing, China.
Olympians Greg Bennett, Laura Bennett, Ricarda Lisk and Matt Reed as well as 2015 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Champion Eric Lagerstrom lead a top field of professional athletes set to compete in the Olympic distance race for US$100,000 in prize money.
The Beijing International Triathlon participation has steadily grown over the last four years with registration numbers tripling since its inception in 2012. The race continues to expand and attract new elite pro racers from around the world, including the return of some of the top names in triathlon as well as the addition of several new faces that are set to compete in Beijing for the first time.
“I’m excited to compete in the Beijing International Triathlon for the third consecutive year,” said Olympian and two-time ITU Champion Greg Bennett. “I look forward to returning to the beautiful Fengtai District of Beijing. This is my favorite race of the long International season and I can’t wait.”
The Beijing triathlon is part of the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon Series and the only qualifying event in Asia for the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Coveted race slots for the 2016 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will be awarded to the top 50 men and women across each group and in the Olympic distance race division, at the 2015 Beijing International Triathlon.
For the fourth year, the event will take over the Fengtai District of Beijing, China, on Sunday, 20 September. The race will showcase the eco-friendly environment and cultural attractions of the area.
Starting and finishing in Garden Expo Park, the race will feature a 1.5K swim in Garden Expo Lake; a challenging 40K bike ride through the quaint villages of Fengtai and up Qianling Mountain, the highest peak in southwest Beijing; and a 10K run through the colorful gardens and steep steps of the Garden Expo Park.
For the second year, the event will also host a Beijing Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run) on Saturday 19 September.
The public is invited to watch the races at the start/finish line and along the course throughout the park, as well as attend the free Health and Fitness Race Expo taking place on 19-20 September. The IMG-produced Beijing International Triathlon is owned by the Fengtai Sports Bureau of Beijing. Interested participants are encouraged to register online early, as space is limited.
Professional triathletes participating in the 2015 Beijing International Triathlon include:
Men:
Josh Amberger (Australia)
Greg Bennett (Australia)
Max Fennell (United States of America)
Cesc Godoy (Spain)
Eric Lagerstrom (United States of America)
Graham O’Grady (New Zealand)
Matt Reed (United States of America)
Ruzhuang She (China)
Women:
Laura Bennett (United States of America)
Lauren Goss (United States of America)
Ricarda Lisk (Germany)
Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (Australia)
Caroline Steffen (Switzerland)
Magali Tisseyre (Canada)
Radka Vodickova (Czech Republic)
Yi Zhang (China)
Mengying Zhong (China)
www.beijinginternationaltriathlon.com
