Posted: February 10, 2004

Triathlon: National Kids of Steel® (Junior) Race Series Update

Juniors, mark your calendars to participate in an exciting new race series this summer!

Triathlon Canada is pleased to provide further details for the Kids of Steel® Race Series (for Junior 16-19 and Youth 14/15) which was recently announced. During 2004, juniors will have the opportunity to:

Compete in the Canada/USA Challenge and PATCO Championship…
· On July 31st, Caledon will host to the first annual Canada/USA Junior Challenge for juniors aged 16-19 in addition to hosting the Junior National Championships and one of the six series races. The Canada/USA Junior Challenge will be held in the USA in 2005 and alternate in future years. The top three finishers from each country will be used to determine the winner of the challenge.
· On July 11th Edmonton will host the first annual PATCO Junior Championship in conjunction with the junior series race. PATCO (Pan-American Triathlon Confederation) is one of the regions defined by the ITU and it’s membership includes countries from North, South and Central America.

Save by Flying Westjet… …
· An air travel deal with Westjet has been arranged for the series. All travellers to each venue, including athletes, coaches, parents and friends, can receive a 10% discount on the best available Westjet fare (excluding seat sales) by quoting the Triathlon Canada’s account number established for the series. Further details have been included on the Youth and Kids of Steel® page: www.triathloncanada.com/switch.php?action=displayindex§ion_name=kos&lang=en

Earn Series Points and a Junior Development Ranking ……
· Race series points can be earned by placing in the top ten at five of the six races and top 15 at Junior Nationals with points awarded as follows: 10 points for race winner, 9 points for second, etc down to 1 point for 10th place. Points will be increased by 50% at Junior Nationals with the winner receiving 15 points, etc. down to 15th place will receive 1 point. Total points for each athlete will be based on results at their top three races. Note that an athlete must at least start at junior nationals to qualify for overall series awards. Series points are limited to Canadians, although non-Canadians can compete for the podium at individual races.
· A Junior Development Ranking system will be established following the 2004 race season. Although the ranking system is still under development, it is anticipated that it will follow similar principles used in the Elite Development Ranking system used by Triathlon Canada.

Participate in Skill Development Camps… …
· Youth camps will be held in conjunction with each of the six races. Each race will include either a ½ day drafting clinic, 2 to 3 day skill development camp or week-long camps planned for some of the venues. Further details for the camps will be posted on the Youth and Kids of Steel® page as they become available.

Check Triathlon Canada’s Youth and Kids of Steel® page for further updates as they become available: www.triathloncanada.com.