The PTO have announced the location and date of the T100 California race, after the organisation entered a partnership with IMG ahead of the start of the season.
As a result, San Francisco and the world famous Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will host the third stop in 2024 following events in Miami and Singapore.
The race, which will be held on 8-9 June, is the third US location for this year’s series alongside the season opener in Miami and the October race in Lake Las Vegas.
“A huge coup for us”
Having started in 1981, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon has been a bucket list for triathlon fans for the last 40 years, something that PTO CEO Sam Renouf was quick to acknowledge.
“Escape From Alcatraz is one of the world’s most celebrated triathlons and on any self-respecting triathlete’s bucket list of races, so to secure it as one of the eight stops on the new T100 Triathlon World Tour is a huge coup for us.
“When we sat down to discuss the opportunity with IMG, they immediately understood our vision for these races representing the very pinnacle of our sport, which is why they wanted to get involved and work with us to secure the necessary permissions from the City.”
World Triathlon President Marisol Casado was equally excited about the opportunity, with the IOC Member labelling the event as a ‘significant milestone’ for the global governing body.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of the San Francisco T100 to the T100 Triathlon World Tour calendar, proving once again the great collaboration that marks a significant milestone for World Triathlon.
“This partnership with the PTO represents an unwavering commitment for all of us, and the athletes, to elevate the sport. The race, with its iconic backdrop, will serve as the perfect location for another great event in 2024.”
“The race has always been special to me”
One athlete who was full of praise for the addition of San Francisco to the race roster was American Olympian Ben Kanute, who is a four-time champion at the Escape from Alcatraz race.
“This is huge news for the new T100 Triathlon World Tour. This race has always been special to me because of the rich history and the legends of the sport that have won there.
“It is a weekend I am really looking forward to, and cannot wait to chase another title on one of the most iconic triathlon venues.”
Whilst the PTO will not run any amateur 100km distance events alongside the professional race, the historic Escape From Alcatraz amateur triathlon will still be held on Sunday June 9 by IMG.
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
