The 2017 ITU World Triathlon Series has so far seen eight stops across eight cities, seven countries and four continents with elite action that has produced ‘nail-biting finishes and record-breaking moments that have made the history books.’ This season has been one to remember; and as it gets ready to come to a close, the elites will line up on the WTS start line one last time where world champions will be revealed.
The 2017 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Rotterdam will play host this Saturday 16 September to the world’s top elite men and women triathletes, who have competed all season long for their place on the start list and chance at earning the world title. In the men’s event Spaniard Mario Mola is primed to reclaim his title from 2016, a fifth place finish on Saturday will guarantee him the honour. While on the women’s front, Bermuda’s Flora Duffy has had ‘a near-perfect season that puts her in the front seat to also win a back-to-back title’.
Grand Final racing got under way today, Friday 15 September, with paratriathlon, junior women and U23 men. Saturday will start with junior men, U23 women and then finish with the men and women’s elite races. The weekend event will conclude on Sunday 17 September with standard and sprint distance age group racing.
This is the first year that Rotterdam has debuted on the World Triathlon Series calendar. More than 75,000 spectators are expected to witness the excitement and drama of age group and professional triathlon in Rotterdam in ‘one of the best port cities in the world’. Rotterdam was the host of the 2016 ITU Paratriathlon World Championships, but it will be the first city in the Netherlands to welcome a WTS race.
The 2017 Grand Final will be a festival that celebrates triathlon. ‘An opening and closing ceremony, pasta parties, live performances and a lively atmosphere will make the Rotterdam World Championships a must do event for athletes all over the world.’
