If you can make it to Nottingham on the evening of Thursday 7th June 2018, get yourself down to Victoria Embankment to watch and support the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham.
Held last year as the British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup (report HERE), the event was fantastic – and with ‘upgraded’ status for 2018, featuring the top 18 teams from around the world at an Olympic qualifying event, it should be even better this time around.
Why not make a day of it – if you can get the day off work, there are plenty of individual racing opportunities too, which I’ve highlighted previously HERE, which look quite reasonably priced too.
The British squad for the event had been confirmed today – here are the details from British Triathlon.
Brownlee and Holland named amongst six-strong GB squad for Nottingham Mixed Relay event
Olympic silver and bronze medallists, Jonathan Brownlee and Vicky Holland have been named as part of the Great Britain squad for the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham along with Commonwealth bronze medallist, Marc Austin and former World Champion, Non Stanford.
The overall British squad of six athletes is well-decorated, also including double Commonwealth Champion, Jodie Stimpson and Tom Bishop who helped Great Britain to mixed relay gold at the 2016 European Championships.
Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment is expected to come to life on the evening of Thursday 7 June, as national squads from the world’s top 18 triathlon nations line up at 6:30pm in front of thousands of spectators. They’ll battle for the top step of the podium, and all important Olympic qualification points for Tokyo 2020. Mixed relay squads will comprise two men and two women, with the final team selections being made in the immediate hours prior to the event.
A relatively new racing format to enjoy, mixed relay is fast and thrilling, with athletes racing over much shorter distances than spectators are used to seeing. With the action taking place in little over an hour’s time, the event is hoping to attract families, sports fans and those completely new to triathlon to the Embankment for an evening on non-stop entertainment.
Jonathan Brownlee, Olympic silver medallist, said: “The addition of mixed relay to the Olympic programme in 2020 is massive for our sport. It’s exciting, fast paced and extremely spectator friendly, and I’m sure Nottingham will put on a fantastic show.”
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO, said: “We are thrilled to announce a strong British squad for the very first Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham. With an additional Olympic medal now on offer in Tokyo in two years’ time, it’s clear to see the level of importance nations have placed on mixed relay and it’s fantastic to be able to showcase this to an engaged Nottingham audience.”
Cllr Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council said: “This is a chance to see some of the best triathletes in the world. It’s not often we get the opportunity to host world class events in the city, and last year’s event shows how exciting triathlon mixed relay actually is.
“Whether you’re standing around the course for free or paying a bit extra for grandstand seats, spectators are guaranteed a night to remember.”
Aside from the elite action, there’s plenty to enjoy on the Embankment in three weeks’ time. With face painting, a pre-event parade and local mascot race to keep families entertained, there are also food and drink stalls dotted around the course for those that simply want to sit back and soak up the atmosphere.
Tickets are still on sale for the grandstand, allowing the best view of the stars from the moment they dive into the River Trent, all the way to the finish line. Starting at £13.50 (plus booking fee), they can be purchased at Nottingham.triathlon.org/tickets.
For those wanting a taster of the course themselves, a number of mass participation race opportunities are taking place from 12:30pm the same day. Whether you want to team up as a trio and take on a discipline each, or tackle to entire course yourself, book your spot on the start line before entries close at Midnight Wednesday 23 May at Nottingham.triathlon.org.
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