“Same passion with a different brand”

News just in that one of Spain’s most popular long-distance triathlons, Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz (www.triathlonvitoria.com) in the Basque County will become IRONMAN Vitoria Gasteiz from 2019. The first edition under the new banner will take place on Sunday 14th July 2019 (the same day as IRONMAN UK, Bolton).

The news will likely make the event even more popular with British athletes, with travel to Vitoria in Northern Spain incredibly easy, a short journey from Bilbao (amongst other potential travel routes).

In previous editions the event has hosted both full and half distance races (the 2018 half was won by Great Britain’s George Goodwin), with both events attracting well over 1,000 entries. We’ve aksed the question, and will update if different, but the press release – reproduced in full below – would suggest that just the full (IRONMAN) distance will continue from 2019. While the full distance appears on the IRONMAN website already, there is no indication currently at least, that a 70.3 will run alongside it.

Related: 2018 Triathlon Vittoria-Gasteiz report

BASQUE COUNTRY SET FOR IRONMAN RACE IN 2019

Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain will play host to the event on July 14 – race registration opens on September 24, 2018

IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, is pleased to announce the launch of a new race that will join the European Series portfolio in 2019 – IRONMAN^®Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country, Spain.

The new race addition in the northern region of Spain now means IRONMAN is well represented throughout the country, with IRONMAN 70.3s Barcelona, Mallorca and Marbella already in place, as well as IRONMAN Barcelona and Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote, plus EDP Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon and Half Marathon.

“I’m confident that Vitoria’s tradition in the sport of triathlon, coupled with the excellent work of the team on the ground, will make it a thoroughly-memorable race for all athletes competing. It’s a dream come true to hold an IRONMAN in our region. It’s very positive for the race, for the city, for the Alavés sport, and the country,” said Race Director Eduardo Martínez.

The Basque Country is known for its charming people and picturesque scenery, offering visitors astonishing natural landscapes, rich architecture and, above all, passionate and vibrant people. Participants can also expect a warm welcome and enthusiastic support from the local residents of Vitoria-Gasteiz, all the way to the Finish Line at the very heart of the city.

“Spain has a renowned tradition for producing some of the sport’s greatest triathletes, and with new races such as this one in Vitoria-Gasteiz, hopefully that will encourage even more people to take up the sport,” said Stefan Petschnig, Managing Director of IRONMAN in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“We have sold out all events in Spain this year – two IRONMAN races, three IRONMAN 70.3 race as well as Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon. The number of athletes have therefore somewhat outgrown our event capacities so adding a race further up north will help us accommodate the demand to participate in IRONMAN events in the future,” he added.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is considered one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in Europe and its strong positive values will make athletes, relatives and friends fall in love with the city and its surroundings.

Athletes at IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz will start their 3.8km in the tranquil waters of Ulibarri-Gamboa Lake, the biggest water reservoir in Euskadi. From that point, they will bike 180km through the most scenic towns of Álava region, surrounded by the Elguea Mountains. To finish, participants will tackle the 42.2km run course in Vitoria-Gasteiz’s old town, which will be packed full of passionate supporters cheering on the athletes as they look to complete the race.

IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2019 will offer 40 qualifying slots for the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Athletes wishing to register for a place at the IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz should visit LINK. Any questions relating to this competition should be sent at the following address: vitoria@ironman.com