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12 April 2005
Today saw the launch of the 2005 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup, with support from 2012 Olympic bid, a decision for which is due in just 86 days.
Rt Hon Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport commented: “Events such as the Coutryside Properties ITU World Cup Triathlon are key in showing the world the nation’s drive and determination to host the top athletes and events in all sports, and our dedication in making the Salford Triathlon the very best on the global circuit.”
James Hickman, Olympic medallist and 2012 spokesperson, commented, “The 2012 bid is proud to have the backing of the Countryside Properties Salford ITU World Cup. The event has been keen to ‘Back the Bid’ and has helped spread the message of support across the country.”
He continued: “The event is an opportunity to both provide the UK with a world class event and to also give the up and coming amateur age-group athletes the chance to feel what it is like to be a World Cup Champion, by racing over the same course as the elite athletes earlier on in the day.”
The event will once again see 150 of the world’s top elite triathletes and 750 of the UK’s aspiring age-group athletes take the plunge, pedal and pound the pavements in Salford, Trafford and Manchester .
As the only city in the United Kingdom to host an ITU World Cup event, Salford has truly proved itself to be the home of world class triathlon in the UK, having been granted a third consecutive opportunity to host this high profile sporting event.
Salford is one of only 14 triathlon ITU World Cup events scheduled in 2005 across the globe. It takes a dedicated organising committee and even stronger community support to impress the ITU enough to award this event to a city year after year.
Not only has Salford launched the 2005 ITU World Cup, to be held on Sunday 31 July, but it also intends to bid for the prestigious World Championships.
Councillor John Merry, Leader of Salford City Council, is looking forward to another great year hosting the Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup and commented: “This summer marks the 3rd consecutive year that an ITU Triathlon World Cup will visit Salford and we are thrilled to have the privilege again. Events like this are fantastic for the region as they showcase world-class athletes and give the local community the chance to see world class sport on our doorstep!”
Race Director John Lunt of Human Race, commented: “In an effort to make the course even more spectator and athlete friendly, there will be a couple of minor tweaks to the 2004 course. The course has proven to be one of the most exciting and popular on the ITU circuit and we look forward to the summer and another fantastic year.”
Alan Cherry, Chairman, Countryside Properties, is pleased to be main sponsor of the Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup and commented: “My company is proud to return for the third consecutive year as main sponsor of the Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup. Sporting excellence is a driver for the investment and regeneration that is enriching people’s lives and we are pleased to play our part in that. The event has brought, and continues to bring, such talented international athletes back to this wonderful city and we are happy to once again be a part of it.”
Sir Rocco Forte, international hotelier and patron of the Salford Triathlon, commented: "I am delighted to continue as the patron of the Salford Triathlon and to further extend my relationship with the event with support from both The Lowry Hotel and Rocco Forte Hotels. I look forward to 31 July and the challenging day of racing and festivities ahead of us."
For more information on coming to watch the 2005 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup or to compete in the age-group race, call the Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup Hotline on 0161 778 0346 or visit www.trisalford.info.
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Notes to editors:
The Event:
The Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup combines disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. The 1500m swim leg of the event takes place in Dock 9 of the Salford Quays taking the athletes on a clockwise loop back to transition.
Upon exiting the water, athletes will then begin a 40km bike route that takes athletes through Manchester city centre.
The final leg of the race will commence after athletes rack their bike to begin the 10km run. Athletes will proceed over the Lowry footbridge, past the Imperial War Museum North and towards Manchester United’s legendary football ground at Old Trafford. The top elite female racers are anticipated to complete the race in just over 2 hours whilst the fastest elite male racers will cross the finish line under 2 hours.
The 2004 event:
The 2004 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup saw Maik Petzold (GER), Stuart Hayes (GBR) and Stefan Justus (GER) claim the top-three elite male medals with respective times of 1:56.28, 1:56.45 and 1:56.51. Sweeping up the gold medal for the elite females was Great Britain ’s own Michelle Dillon in first with a time of 2:09.06. Close on her heels in the silver position with a time of 2:09.19 was Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) and rounding out the top three was Liz Blatchford’s bronze medal time of 2:09.22.
The Launch:
To launch the 2005 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup, Ryan Bowd, an ex Great Britain age group triathlete, is set to undertake a phenomenal physical feat by completing a 24 hour swim, bike, run London2Manchester triathlon challenge.
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Information correct as at 12/04/2005