National governing body Triathlon England has confirmed that it is partnering with the organisers of the Vachery Triathlon Festival to help develop the festival themed event being held in Cranleigh, Surrey, on 21 July.
The Vachery Tri Festival organisers cite the event’s contribution to the UK tri calendar, its potential to develop as an international event and its part in ensuring that triathlon continues to be one of the most exciting and fastest growing sports in the country post-Olympics.
The Vachery Triathlon consists of a three different event distances, offering triathletes the choice of a ‘Try a Tri’ sprint, Olympic or Middle distance triathlon all set in the stunning and iconic surroundings of the Vachery Estate in Surrey. The event, now in its second year, is aiming to become a big fixture in the triathlon calendar as a ‘must do race’ for all British triathletes.
Mark Barfield Director of English Operations at Triathlon England said “The Vachery Triathlon on 21st July is an extremely exciting event for the Triathlon England calendar and one that is a very welcome addition. It is an event that is very exciting and gives participants the opportunity to race in an iconic and inspiring venue.
“By offering a Middle, Olympic and Sprint distance plus relay formats, it is a race weekend that has something for everyone, no matter what their current fitness levels or triathlon experience and it is brilliant to have another event that has the potential to become an international race.”
Barfiled continued, “It offers a fantastic race location, in the heart of South East England, amongst the stunning Surrey Hills and has excellent transport links and importantly space to grow into one of the biggest races in the country. This could quite easily become a must-do race for any English triathlete and is a sporting event that will be a credit and of great importance to the residents and businesses of Cranleigh, Surrey and the surrounding areas.”
Mark Davis, Race Director of the Vachery Triathlon said “We are delighted by the comments from Triathlon England and do recognise that we have a very special venue here for a triathlon and we look forward to sharing the private spring-fed Vachery Lake, quiet and (mostly) closed country road bike course and a closed road run.
“Last year’s Vachery Sprint Distance Triathlon was hailed as a great success by those that raced in 2012, and this year it is back and will be better than ever with the addition of the middle distance triathlon, with prizes for individual age-group wins, club championships and spot prizes. A fantastic atmosphere is guaranteed, with triathletes from all three races descending on the stunning Vachery Estate to enjoy the race expo, food and drink, music and the opportunity to mix with national champion triathletes and pro racers. All three races are still open for entries, with the middle distance race filling up fast and almost sold out.”
All event entrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and every finisher receives a medal and complimentary food and drink and More Than Massage physio post race care. The event promises to offer something for everyone, with on-site camping within the Vachery Estate, an exhibitor’s area featuring the latest in triathlon gear and produce from local suppliers plus fun activities for all the family.
Athletes and their families can enjoy a pasta-party in the evening before the race and get fuelled up with a ‘racers breakfast’ on race-day morning.
The Vachery Estate is located just outside the picturesque village of Cranleigh in the Surrey Hills, only minutes from London and the M25, M23 and M3 motorways.
