Spirit Multisport has announced the expansion of the Spirit Tri Series into the Middle East region with the addition of iconic Israeli triathlon, ISRAMAN, located in Eilat. Next year’s ISRAMAN will take place on 31st January 2020 in Eilat.
The Spirit Tri Series which launched in 2019, brought together four historic long-course races in Spain, Germany, France and Austria ‘over a Tour d’France format raced by professional teams collecting points for individual and team classifications.’
With the inclusion of the ISRAMAN triathlon, the series has taken its first step into the Middle East as it looks to expand internationally.
Spirit Chief Executive Officer, Tom Sutton, said the ISRAMAN event was a perfect addition to the series. “ISRAMAN is one of the unique destination races of world triathlon. With its spectacular scenery, history and organisation, it is a bucket list race for all triathletes. Located within four hours direct flight from continental Europe it’s also very accessible for a range of different triathlon markets.”
He continued, “Like all the Spirit Tri Series races, we seek partnerships with events and organisers that have proven long term durability while keeping the core values of the sport at heart. Over 20 years, ISRAMAN has grown a powerful community of athletes who come back time and time again for one of the toughest endurance events in the world.”
At the opening press event, featuring video welcomes from IRONMAN World Champion Daniela Ryf and Olympic Champion Nicola Spirig, ISRAMAN further announced plans to enter an Israeli team into the Spirit European League in 2020.
Held in January each year, ISRAMAN will also offer qualification slots for the series’ highlight event, the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon in France on 31st July 2020.
Israman Event Director, Or Benyami, said “We are very excited to be joining the Spirit Tri Series and to further showcasing ISRAMAN to athletes in Europe and throughout the world. ISRAMAN is committed to providing a spectacular triathlon experience for visiting athletes, while also providing the best possible race for our passionate Israeli tri community.”
Additional announcements on professional and age group team structures will be released in the coming weeks.
