Two more champion athletes have signed up to contest the new Eastbourne Triathlon, set for 12 June 2016.
One of the most recognisable and decorated athletes in mutlisport will toe the line, in the form of the 7-time world champion Richard Stannard. Stannard, who can also count 2x British Championships, the 2008 British Super Series and 2x Windsor Triathlons on his CV as well as numerous other titles and world records, will look to set the pace early in the swim and push on to challenge for the title.
Also on the start-line will be the Stannard-coached reigning European Aquathlon Champion Hannah Kitchen. Hannah came 6th in the 2015 British Super Series and 3rd at one of the most competitive UK triathlons at Hever Castle Tri. She is recognised as being a top talent domestically in the UK and another big challenger for the Eastbourne Triathlon titles.
Richard Stannard said “Eastbourne is a fantastic venue for a race. To have the opportunity to race at sea level and then up and over the 500ft Beachy Head on the bike combined with the infamous St Bedes hill climb on the run will make the race a real epic.”
Hannah Kitchen said “I’m really excited to be racing the Eastbourne Triathlon this year, it’s always great to add a new event into my race schedule so I couldn’t resist the opportunity when I heard about the triathlon. I think Eastbourne will make a great venue, I’m really looking forward to a sea swim – not something I’ve done for some time in the UK. It’s great to see that there is something for everyone too.”
The Eastbourne Triathlon is a new major sporting event for the Sussex town. It takes place from the Western Lawns on the historic seafront and consists of a 600m sea swim, 25K road-cycle through the South Downs National Park, before finishing with a 5K run and a promenade finish in front of The Grand Hotel.
Richard Stannard and Hannah Kitchen are not the only professional athletes who couldn’t resist entering the Eastbourne Triathlon in its first year – also contesting the race will be Ben Allen (Aus), Sam Wade, Karl Alexander, Matt Dewis, Euan Adams, Luke Howard, Jacqui Slack and Yvette Grice.
The Eastbourne Triathlon has been re-launched in 2016 and is being organised by the Eastbourne-based sports marketing, PR and events company, Beyond Sport Marketing. Already billed as one of the ‘hottest triathlons in 2016’, the Eastbourne Triathlon aims to be ‘an unmissable event whether you are a first timer or seasoned professional.’
As well as the triathlon, there are also options for competitors to enter an Aquabike event or a SUP (stand-up paddle board) triathlon. The event is supporting Rockinghorse – the fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Charity and the Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards.
All competitors will receive an event t-shirt and memento, with prizes on offer for the top three. The Eastbourne Triathlon will also offer a £1,000 prize purse should the event attract 300 or more entries.
The Eastbourne Triathlon is supported by Visit Eastbourne, 32Gi, The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, Zone3, The Event Team, The Friday Ad, The Tri Store, Handswork, Beyond Going Long, Brighton Bike Fit, Neptune SUP and Zig Zag Alive.
