IRONMAN is adding two new events to its 2022 EMEA race calendar with the introduction of the Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč, Istria, in Croatia; and IRONMAN 70.3 Tangier in Morocco.
The inaugural edition of Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč in Croatia is set to take place on October 16, 2022. IRONMAN 70.3 Tangier in Morocco is scheduled for October 30, 2022.
“Croatia and Morocco are the perfect race destinations for any triathlete looking to experience spectacular locations and unique local culture while racing,” said Thomas Veje Olson, Managing Director for the IRONMAN Group in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
“Our partners in Croatia and Morocco have established a great community of athletes and we look forward to seeing more athletes experiencing IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon racing in Poreč, Istria-Croatia and Tangier thanks to the addition of these two races on the circuit.”
Tangier, Morocco
Set in northwestern Morocco on the Maghreb coast, Tangier is a bustling seaside city rich in history said to date back as far as the 10th century BC. The introduction of the IRONMAN 70.3 Tangier triathlon is see as being… ‘testament to the growth and interest in the sport of triathlon in North Africa over the past years.’
“With its exceptional geographical location and high-quality facilities, Tangier was the obvious choice,” said Simo Azelarab, President of NAPECO, local organizer of the IRONMAN 70.3 Tangier.
“We are very happy to organize this iconic IRONMAN 70.3 event in Tangier. The city has developed a lot in previous years; and hosting an international competition will be an opportunity to showcase the region’s wealth of tourism to athletes from all over the world.”
At sunrise, athletes taking on the IRONMAN 70.3 Tangier triathlon will begin the day with a 1.9km, one-loop swim in the Mediterranean Sea in the bay of Tangier. They will then head out onto the 90km bike course, passing through Merkel Beach Road and crossing the Cap Spartel reserve with views of the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. Lastly, the 21.1km run will start from the Tangier Marina and will consists of three 7km loops along the boardwalk.
Bertrand Mulot, Co-founder and Deputy Director of NAPECO, added “Thanks to a dream circuit, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, IRONMAN 70.3 Tangier offers the promise of a unique and unforgettable race for both professional and age-group athletes, and an exceptional opportunity for the many Moroccan athletes to discover or rediscover this magnificent region.”
IRONMAN 70.3 Tangier will offer qualifying slots to the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place in Lahti, Finland on August 26-27, 2023. General Registration for the event will open on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
Poreč, Croatia
Poreč, a popular summer resort on the coast of the Istrian Peninsula in western Croatia, has successfully hosted the Olympic distance Plava Laguna 5150 Poreč triathlon for the last two years… ‘creating a natural transition into the new IRONMAN 70.3 event.’
The introduction of the Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč, Istria-Croatia will see athletes taking on a 1.9km swim in the waters around the peninsula at Zelena Resort, followed by a 90km bike course that takes athletes through the local Truffle Forest around the city of Livade and Motovun. Lastly, athletes will take on a 21.1km run along the Poreč coastline until they reach the red carpet of the finish line.
“We are very excited to announce Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3. Poreč, Istria-Croatia for 2022,” said Goran Vrus, Race Director of Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč, Istria-Croatia.
“Poreč, Istria and Croatia are beautiful locations for swimming, cycling and running along the scenery of the old town, vineyards and olive groves; and we can’t wait to welcome athletes for a memorable race experience.”
Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3. Poreč, Istria-Croatia will offer qualifying slots to the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, Finland on August 26-27, 2023. General Registration for the Croatian event will open on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
www.ironman.com/im703-Tangier
www.ironman.com/im703-croatia
