The International Triathlon Union (ITU) Executive Board recently met in Madrid ahead of the 29th Congress to hold its final reunion of the year, during which several important topics including competition rules, the approval of future ITU calendars, and more were debated.
The 29th Congress was held on Sunday, during which National Federations voted on ITU’s future President, Vice President, Executive Board and Committee positions. ITU President Marisol Casado ran un-opposed.
In relation to competition rules, the ITU Board approved the use of disc brakes for non-drafting competitions. Paratriathlon will now offer six sport class races, as opposed to five. Furthermore, the former PT1 paratri class split into subdivisions. Under this new classification, all sport classes will be renamed.
The field of athletes at ITU World Triathlon Series events will be reduced from 65 to 60, while elite competitions on the Grand Final and World Cups will see 70 athletes race as opposed to 75. The paratriathlon fields have been increased in most competitions.
In addition, athletes will be permitted the use of mobile devices. However, any equipment that covers or is inserted into the ears are not allowed in competition.
All updated competition rules can be found highlighted online.
The Executive Board also approved the 2017 Paratriathlon calendar, which will be reformatted to offer two level of paratriathlon races. Three races, which will be held alongside an ITU World Triathlon Series in Gold Coast, Yokohama and Edmonton, will offer higher points to paratriathletes to encourage athletes to focus on these pinnacle events. An additional four Paratriathlon World Cups will be held around the world, with the possibility to add more races.
Paratriathlon calendar:
World Paratriathlon Series Gold Coast – 8-9 April
World Paratriathlon Series Yokohama – 13-14 May
World Paratriathlon Cup Besancon – 10-11 June
World Paratriathlon Cup Altafulla – 1-2 July
World Paratriathlon Cup Iteo – 8-9 July
World Paratriathlon Cup Magog – 15-16 July
World Paratriathlon Series Edmonton – 29-30 July
The newly-elected Board held its first meeting immediately following elections on Sunday 11 December.
