Triathlon Ireland and Europcar have renewed their sponsorship agreement for the 2014 season. Under the agreement, Europcar will provide fleet support to Triathlon Ireland along with vehicle hire assistance for elite athletes while in the country.
For members, clubs and event organisers Europcar is offering a 10% discount off its range of vehicles, from mini economy cars to Transit Vans. Europcar’s wide range of vehicles means ‘here is something to suit all needs whether to be a large van for the transport of race equipment or an estate for a weekend away with all the gear you require.’
With many of Europcar staff being keen triathletes, racing regularly around Ireland, the national governing body notes that its commercial partner has an understanding of triathletes needs.
Europcar reported 11% growth in 2013 and now has ten locations around the country in Dublin (airport and city centre), Athlone, Cork, Cavan, Shannon, Kerry, Knock, Galway, Navan and Waterford.
In tandem with growth across the age group spectrum, triathlon at an elite level in Ireland continues to pick up speed. At London 2012, Gavin Noble became the first ever Irish male triathlete to compete at the Olympic Games, while in the same year Aileen Reid had the best ever finish in the World Triathlon Series in Madrid. Ireland’s first ever Para Triathlon National Championships took place in Athlone in June, marking a significant step in the development of triathlon in Ireland.
In February 2013, the Irish Sports Council (ISC) made its announcement on the funding available for sport, including triathlon, in 2014.
Triathlon Ireland’s core funding received a slight reduction from €97,700 in 2013 to €96,038 in 2014. However Triathlon Ireland’s Women in Sport program received a seal of approval and was given a slight increase from €14,250 in 2013 to €15,000 in 2014. So, overall Triathlon Ireland’s funding remained largely unchanged from 2013.
Ireland’s top ranked triathlete Aileen Reid, née Aileen Morrison, is one of three senior triathletes to receive direct ‘carded funding’ from the Irish Sports Council for 2014. Aileen Reid is to receive the top level of ‘Podium’ funding in 2014. Her funding increases to €40,000, up from €20,000 in 2013; and is a welcome boost following her silver at the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final in London last September.
Other triathletes benefitting from ISC carded funding in 2014 are Bryan Keane and Ben Shaw, who both receive €12,000.
