Posted: October 10, 2004

Triathlon: Ironman Triathlon World Championship Transition Area Returns To The Pier

October 10 , 2004 -- World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners and organizers of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship announce that the transition area for the race being held on October 16, 2004 will return to the Kailua-Kona Pier. The swim-to-bike transition has been located on the pier since 1981 with the exception of 2003. Ironman celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and implemented several changes, one of which was the consolidation of the transition areas. The pier was under construction last year and unable to accommodate a transition area. Event organizers chose to again utilize one transition area and move it back to the pier, in an effort to provide athletes with a more efficient and streamlined transition and additional viewing opportunities for spectators. Spectators can cheer on athletes along the Kona Sea Wall or watch the action on the Jumbotron located at the finish line on Alii Drive.

Event Director, Diana Bertsch comments, "We have been looking forward to the completion of the pier's renovation and hope the change will contribute to the athletes and spectators' race day experience."

Each year, more than 50,000 athletes from around the world vie for one of the 1,700 qualifying slots, through one of the various qualifying events held in locations around the globe such as Australia, Canada, South Africa, Brazil and California. Visit www.ironmanlive.com to watch live race day coverage and track your favorite athlete via the Athlete Finder. The 2004 Ironman Triathlon World Championship broadcast will air on NBC on November 20 from 4-6 p.m.

For more information, please contact Blair LaHaye at 727-942-4767 x207 or blair@ironmanlive.com.