PTO’s inaugural event, The Collins Cup, served up a day of racing on Saturday, August 28th, in Šamorín, Slovakia. The new race format, modelled after the Ryder Cup, saw teams of International, European and USA athletes pitted against one another.
At the end of 12 individual ‘head-to-head-to-head’ athlete races, Team Europe emerged as the victor and winner of the inaugural Collins Cup.
The x-bionic sphere sports resort was the backdrop for all elite races – with the 2km swim taking place in the Danube River, an 80km bike on closed roads, followed by an 18km run. With US$1.5 million on offer, the racing was broadcast to a global audience in over 100 countries and in over 20 languages.
36 of the world’s top professional triathletes battled it out over the 100km course in 12 individual race matches, each staggered 10 minutes apart, with three athletes going against each other, one from Team Europe, Internationals and the USA… ‘to decide which region rules triathlon’.
Team US started well in race match one with the young American, Taylor Knibb setting the standard for her teammates to follow with a convincing victory against Europe’s PTO World #1 Daniela Ryf and Team Internationals’ PTO World # 2 Teresa Adam.
Team US women held their lead until the final two race matches where the European Captain’s proved their selections as Emma Pallant-Brown and Kat Mathews catapulted Team Europe into the lead.
Throughout the men’s race matches, Europe not only held, but increased their lead proving themselves the strongest team and the eventual victors.
Pro women
Pro men
