In a somewhat surprising volte face, the British Triathlon Association has announced today that their international teams will turn out this season in previously unreleased ORCA Elite Racewear. The association had previously announced that they were to sign up with Asics.

Explaining the decision to change kit sponsors so late in the season, Norman Brook, Chief Executive of the British Triathlon Association stated: "The Association has placed a priority on providing the highest standard of technical clothing for our elite athletes as well as ensuring that the cost and style suited the needs of our age group competitors. During the design stage, Asics was in consultation with our Performance Director, elite and age group athletes. It soon became apparent that there were difficulties in obtaining the best technical materials available and that impending staff changes at Asics would not help these difficulties. The BTA then initiated discussions with ORCA to see if they would step in and take over their commitments."

Following discussions with ORCA's Scott Unsworth, and their UK agents TRI UK, a new kit deal was agreed this week which will see both elite and age group internationals compete in Orca's new Elite Racewear range. The clothing will be in red, white and blue colours with Union Jack and Great Britain logos. Britain's premier sponsored race team, the TRI UK Race Team, are already wearing the new ORCA Elite Racewear and several athletes have already tested the new kit out in training, with excellent reviews.

The British Triathlon Association has agreed an initial two-year contract with ORCA, which gives them the right to extend the contract for a further two years.

Athlete representative, Sian Brice was enthusiastic about the new kit. "The kit is outstanding and it looks good too. The new ORCA kit will give Great Britain's athletes a real lift in competition this season."

The agreement between ORCA and the British Triathlon Association will see TRI UK act as distributors of age-group kit and, in future years, a range of BTA branded merchandise. Orca Elite Racewear will soon be available and orders are now being taken through TRI UK on 07000 874854, through their website and at event trade stands. Chris Boon, co-owner of TRI UK stated "TRI UK is delighted to be in partnership with ORCA and the British Triathlon Association. We will be seeking to ensure that all members of the Great Britain team, whether elite or age group, are satisfied with their kit before they go off to this years World and European Championships."

Asics are not to withdraw totally from sponsorship of Triathlon having agreed that they will sponsor the National Children and Youth Series for the next two years.