Posted: June 6, 2004

Triathlon: British Olympians To Take Part in Royal Windsor Triathlon

Britain’s Olympic triathlon form will be on show this weekend as five team members of the team are put to the test at the Royal Windsor Triathlon, sponsored by Gatorade on June 13th.

In the men’s race Tim Don and Andrew Johns, along with Olympic team reserve Marc Jenkins, have already confirmed that they will be taking part. All three will be hoping that the event, now recognised as the best in Great Britain, will help them reach their peak in both fitness and form before they head of to Athens for the Games in August.

Victory however, is not assured for Britain’s male Olympic triathletes as they will face stiff competition from Spencer Smith, multiple time triathlon World Champion and Commonwealth Games triathletes Richard Allen (Scotland) and Stuart Hayes (England) amongst others.

The women’s race will showcase Michelle Dillon and Julie Dibens of Britain’s Olympic team, who will face stiff competition from Lisbeth Kristiensen of Denmark and the rest of the elite women’s field.

This year’s Royal Windsor Triathlon promises to be the best in the events 14 year history - entries had to be closed on 1st April, six weeks earlier than ever before - with a record 2,100 people expected to take part.

With a setting surrounded by 900 years of British history - including Windsor Castle, Eton College and much of the beautiful Berkshire countryside - competitors will be treated to the stunning and testing course based around the River Thames that makes the Royal Windsor Triathlon unique. The river swim is followed by a bike course taking in a number of picturesque local villages before returning through Windsor Great Park. The course for the multi-lap run than winds around the Great Castle, over Eton Bridge and along Eton High Street - passing the world famous college along the way.

“As this is one of only two chances the fans will have to see members of the British Olympic team in action before they head out to Athens, it promises to be a very special occasion”, says event director John Lunt. “This event really is going from strength to strength. We expect the thousands of spectators who will pack the route to be joined by the British sporting media as they keep a close watch on the athletes who will carry the nations hopes in Athens.”