Tiszaujvaros is the second longest running event on the International Triathlon Union (ITU) calendar and this year it celebrates its 16th birthday with an innovative new twist. The iconic triathlon stop in Hungary becomes the first ITU World Cup to be decided over an exciting two-day sprint semi-finals and sprint finals structure.
Tiszaujvaros is just two hours from Budapest and thanks to its status as the second longest running ITU event, is known as the triathlon capital of Hungary. The ITU World Cup has one of the best atmospheres of any on the ITU calendar and is a summer tradition in Tiszaujvaros, as the event has a festival like atmosphere. ITU legends such as Emma Carney, Hamish Carter, Loretta Harrop and Javier Gomez have all topped the podium at the event affectionately known as ‘Tiszy’.
This ITU World Cup marks the debut of the new multi-round, multi-day sprint format. The 2012 event will be decided over two days, with sprint distance semi-finals held on Saturday and then a sprint distance final on the Sunday. The total number of entries will decide the number of semi-finals – three for the men and two for the women on Saturday with a maximum of 30 athletes in each semi, which will start as waves.
Every semi-final will qualify a fixed number of athletes for the final and additionally a number of athletes will qualify based on the best times. For example, if the total field is between 31 and 60, there will be two semi-finals, the top 14 in each will go through to the final and a further two will go through on time, creating a final field of 30. A full breakdown of the numbers and rules can be found on page 55, section 20 of the ITU Competition Rules.
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