IRONMAN is adding a brand-new event to its 2021 race calendar with the IRONMAN 70.3 Tiberias triathlon. This is the first event from IRONMAN to take place in Israel and will be independently organized and operated locally by Tel-Aviv-based licensee Comtecgroup. The inaugural event is scheduled for November 12, 2021.
In a release, IRONMAN notes… ‘Comtecgroup, which has been working with IRONMAN on this licensee partnership, is a renowned event company that was established in 1982.’
“As the local organizers it is a dream come true to bring an IRONMAN 70.3 event to Israel,” said Daniel Benaim, Founder & CEO of local organizers, Comtecgroup.
“Our country has become a favourite destination for multiple very successful sports events, and we are looking forward to adding many more.”
Set against the landscape of Northern Israel, IRONMAN 70.3 Tiberias athletes will swim in the Sea of Galilee, cycle through the historical hillside, and ‘run in the footsteps of ancient historical figures’.
Named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius in 20 CE, Tiberias today is a diverse city located on the western slopes of the Jordan Rift Valley, and overlooks the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the lowest freshwater lake on Earth.
“Tiberias and Israel have welcomed us with open arms, and we are excited to add Israel as a racing destination for IRONMAN 70.3 athletes,” said Stefan Petschnig, Managing Director of IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“Israel has an active and passionate triathlon community, and we look forward to racing in this historic landscape and city.”
Hili Tropper, Minister of Culture and Sport, said “It is most exciting to see how Israel has been able to position itself on the global stage when it comes to hosting international sporting events, including the Giro d’Italia, the Judo Grand Slam and now an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon.
“These are wonderful opportunities for our own sports enthusiasts and athletes from across the globe. We will continue to support initiatives that bring international sporting events to Israel.”
Yoel Razbozov, Minister of Tourism, added “IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 athletes receive worldwide recognition, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to our country to experience the best hospitality Israelis can provide.
“I welcome the decision to name Israel as a new race destination. I am well aware of how much the city of Tiberias and the State of Israel can gain from hosting well known international sport competitions from an athletic and economic perspective.”
Athletes will take in the 1.9km (1.2 mile) swim course in the Sea of Galilee, which offers mostly calm and clear water. According to the organising team, this ‘provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable IRONMAN 70.3 swim.’
The 90km (56 mile) bike course will lead athletes through the Sea of Galilee landscape, south of the city of Tiberias to Tzemach junction. From there they continue on the east and north side of the Sea of Galilee to Kfar Nahum.
Athletes will complete their race on the 21.1km (13.1 mile) flat and fast run course along the western shore of Sea of Galilee. The run, overlooking the sea, is ‘easily viewed by all spectators throughout the run course.’
The 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Tiberias triathlon will offer 40 qualifying slots to the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on December 10-11, 2022, in Taupō, New Zealand.
General registration for IRONMAN 70.3 Tiberias triathlon will open on July 1, 2021, 11:00 CEST.
www.ironman.com/im703-tiberias
