Today (Monday 8 October) the race will be on to secure entry to Great Britain’s two legs of the prestigious ITU World Triathlon Series in 2019.
The events, taking place in June next year are a tale of two halves; gathering the world’s best triathletes for two unmissable showdowns where crucial series points will be on offer, whilst offering a chance for thousands of participants to warm up the iconic courses and, for many, take their first steps into the sport.
The AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds is first in the spotlight, returning for the fourth consecutive year and taking place across the weekend of 8-9 June. More than 3000 participants took on the challenge four months ago and the event is set to welcome even more to the start line in 2019. With a choice of distances to conquer, it doesn’t matter if this is your first time putting swim, bike and run together; there’s an option for all that want to make the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds their goal.
Just a week later, on Saturday 15 June all things triathlon will move south as the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham becomes a focal point for the sport. Moving from a Thursday to a Saturday slot on the calendar next year, hundreds of seasoned and beginner triathletes will be in the spotlight as they race on closed roads around the city’s Victoria Embankment, crossing Trent bridge and the iconic suspension bridge before being cheered home by family and friends lining the compact course.
Both events boast over 90% customer satisfaction ratings, emphasising the top-class experience participants receive from the moment they make their pledge to take part, all the way up to crossing the finish line and collecting their hard-earned medals.
Adding to the demand for race spots, for those looking to go for gold, the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds and Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham will host the British Standard and Sprint Distance Triathlon Championships, respectively, providing automatic pre-qualification to the ITU and ETU Championships for the winning athlete in each age group. Added to this, the standard distance event in Leeds is also playing host to a Great Britain Age-Group Team qualifier. These highlight additions put the pressure on securing a place on the start line, so the advice is to enter soon to avoid missing out.
More entries than ever before have been snapped up during the last two weeks when both British Triathlon Home Nation Members and past participants were offered priority entry, along with those who pre-registered for the events following this summer’s action. The Early-Bird window which opens today will offer aspiring participants reduced-price entry across all race distances whilst places are still available. Come New Year, any remaining spots will come at a higher cost.
For full details on entry pricing, visit https://leeds.triathlon.org/2019_entry/entry_windows or https://nottingham.triathlon.org/2019_entry/entry_windows
Become a triathlete when the ITU World Triathlon series arrives in Great Britain next June by entering at https://leeds.triathlon.org/ or https://nottingham.triathlon.org/
Both events are organised by British Triathlon, with the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds organised in partnership with Triathlon England, AJ Bell, Leeds City Council, UK Sport and the ITU and the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham organised in partnership with Triathlon England, Accenture, Nottingham City Council, UK Sport, the ITU and OSB Events.
SUPPORTING QUOTES
2018 ITU World Champion, Vicky Holland, said: “The British legs of the ITU World Triathlon Series offer a world-class racing experience, whether it’s your first triathlon experience, or you’re looking to take a British title.
“The atmosphere on race day is electric – you can’t beat it! I’d encourage anyone to take the chance and get signed up for 2019.”
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO, said: “The preparations for 2019 are well and truly underway and it’s great to be able to open up entries to two fantastic events.
“Whether it be the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds or the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham you choose to enter, one thing that can’t be denied is the unforgettable experience you’ll have on race day and the lasting memories you’ll take away.”
Billy Mackay, AJ Bell Marketing Director, said: “AJ Bell is proud to, once again, unveil this fantastic opportunity for the public to get involved in one of Great Britain’s premiere 2019 triathlon events.
“The AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds welcomes individuals of all sporting ability to the start line and we are extremely proud to support British Triathlon in their bid to create great experiences through swim, bike and run.”
Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are incredibly proud of the reputation World Triathlon Leeds now holds on the international triathlon circuit, and are looking forward to again welcoming athletes and spectators to our amazing city as we host the event for the fourth year in 2019. Next year is set to be a big year in Leeds for major international sporting events, adding to our credentials as a world-class city with sport at its heart. World Triathlon Leeds is a fantastic opportunity for people to not only see the world’s best triathletes compete but to also take part in the events over the weekend.”
Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Mixed Relay Triathlon back to the city for 2019 and I’m sure we’ll see many more athletes taking part in the races beforehand in what is becoming a really popular event in the racing calendar. Last year, we even had two Olympians joining the amateur athletes in their races so if it’s a challenge for them then it’s a great challenge for everybody. There is plenty of time to start training too with this goal for June on the horizon. We look forward to welcoming you to Nottingham next June.”