Triathlon: The countdown starts for the 2004 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup Triathlon

The Worlds best elite and age-group triathletes from around the globe are on their marks, and getting set for Sunday 25th July when the 2004 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup returns to Salford, the home of world class triathlon in the UK.

The World Cup triathlon, one of the UK's top international sporting events, will see 150 of the world's top triathletes go head to head for the last time prior to the Olympic Games in Athens. The event will take place over a course made famous by the 2002 Commonwealth Games and last year's ITU Triathlon World Cup, when a crowd of 40,000 turned out to cheer on the athletes in England's Northwest.

Les McDonald, The President of the International Triathlon Union comments: "Legacy for cities is important to the ITU, so we are pleased and proud that Salford is hosting its second ITU World Cup in 2004. The city should be satisfied with its achievement of being one of the best organised ITU races in 2003, and the ITU fully anticipate that Salford will raise the bar even higher in 2004."

Race Director John Lunt comments: "We are honoured that Salford has once again been chosen to host the only ITU World Cup race in the UK for all the world to see. As one of the last World Cup events before the Olympics, the 2004 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup event has even greater importance for those racing in Athens. We should have a bumper field and the weekend will be a great advert for the sport of triathlon."

The field is expected to include many Olympic hopefuls. Athletes include GB triathlete Andrew Johns, 2003 male elite winner and face of the 2004 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup, Simon Whitfield the 2002 Commonwealth Games winner, and for the women GB athlete Michelle Dillon, World Championship bronze medallist, with many more to be announced.

Andrew Johns, 2003 Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup winner comments: "It is always a great feeling to race at Salford as the course is superb and you always receive a great reception from the crowd. 2003 was something quite special, to finish in first position on home soil was such an honour - now I have tasted the win I'm hungry for more!"

The field would not be complete without the 1,000 or so age groupers who race over the same course as the elites in the 'People's Race'. Information for age groupers is already available via the Internet at www.trisalford.info with race organisers urging those wishing to take part to register for their spot in good time to avoid disappointment.

The importance of the event cannot be under estimated as Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport explains: Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport comments: "The Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup is a shining example of the UK's ability to successfully host world class sporting events year on year. It just shows the skills pool that exists in the UK for putting on such events and I wish everyone involved every success with this year's race."

Peter Coulson, Chairman of the British Triathlon Association explained: "Triathlon in the UK has grown in stature with the Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup, attracting the world's top elites, as well as a solid following of age-group athletes and spectators who have and will continue to return to the event, year in year out. The stunning course, friendly people and world class status is what makes this event draw in the world's top elite athletes as well as throngs of amateur age-groupers."

He continues: ''Salford is the only location to host such an event in Great Britain at the moment and it is an honour to be part of the magic of the ITU World Cup. ''

An event of this scale would not be possible without the help and support of its associates and sponsors Countryside Properties, the Northwest Development Agency and Salford City Council.

Robin Hoyles, Managing Director of Countryside Properties' Special Projects Division, title sponsor of the 2003 and 2004 events comments: "2003 was a fantastic experience for us with a closely fought race held at the breathtaking venue of Salford Quays in front of the magnificent Countryside Properties' NV Buildings. We are proud to announce the continuation of our title sponsorship of this event and we look forward to continuing our commitments and investment in Salford."

Peter Mearns, Director of Marketing at the Northwest Development Agency is delighted to announce the NWDA's lead sponsorship and comments: "The 2003 ITU World Cup event was a fine example of the great sporting events held in England's Northwest, attracting 40,000 spectators and athletes and beamed to millions through the media nationally and internationally. We are proud to once again support the event which puts Salford and the Northwest on the global map."

Leader of Salford City Council, Councillor John Merry comments: "The 2004 Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup is a real gem in the UK's sporting calendar and we are proud that Salford has been chosen to host the event for the second year running. It gives us a chance to show, not only the people of Great Britain, but indeed the whole world, what a fantastic place Salford is to live, work, visit and of course, race!"

Sir Rocco Forte, captain of industry and patron of the World Cup Triathlon, comments: "I am delighted to continue as the patron at the 2004 Salford Triathlon and further extend my relationship with the event in terms of sponsorship with both The Lowry Hotel and Rocco Forte Hotels. I look forward to 25th July and the challenging day of racing and festivities ahead of us."

To enter the Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup, or for further information, visit www.trisalford.info, email info@trisalford.info or call the hotline on 0161 848 8601.