It’s one of the worst scenarios for any event organizer – postponement. That’s the situation for the team behind off-road triathlon, XTERRA Ireland, with the announcement at the end of last week that this year’s event – scheduled to take place on 20 July – will be postponed.
“There have been a number of unforeseen logistical problems that make it impossible to deliver the event to the high standards a prestigious international event like XTERRA demands,” said Race Director Dean Watson. “We’re really disappointed and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
(With XTERRA England closing its doors across the Irish Sea in February, due to the cessation in trading of former local organiser Brave Events, XTERRA England 2014 is now back in business and recently re-opened for entry. UK-based Limelight Sports has secured rights from Vachery Estate and XTERRA HQ to deliver the XTERRA England Championship race in Cranleigh, Surrey, at the same venue and on the same date, 24 August 2014, as previously listed.)
Watson and the XTERRA Ireland team are already looking forward to the future in Ireland. “We’re working hard to secure a more suitable location for next year,” added Watson. “And we’re liaising with [XTERRA owners] Team Unlimited in Hawaii to sort out a date that will fit better with the XTERRA European and World tours.”
All entrants in the 2014 event, which was scheduled to take place in Killaloe, County Clare, have been contacted and made aware of the situation. They’ve been offered a choice of a full refund or a postponement until 2015.
“[XTERRA] Is a fantastic format with events run round the globe,” said Watson. “We’re excited Ireland is involved in the worldwide circuit and look forward to 2015 and seeing everyone who entered this year get the chance to race.”
