Posted: July 29, 2005

Triathlon: Olympic triathletes return to Salford for the third UK ITU World Cup

The world’s top triathletes will be joining the best of the British triathlon stars in their return to Salford this weekend (Sunday 31st July) to compete head to head at the 2005 Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup in association with the NWDA (North West regional Development Agency. Not only will the British athletes be racing for world cup points and glory but they will also be competing for the National Championship title.

It will be the third year Salford has hosted the ITU World Cup, which attracts up to 1000 age-group athletes together with 150 elite athletes. As one of the UK’s top international sporting events, thousands of spectators are expected to turn out to cheer on the local, national and international competitors.

Great Britain will be fielding one of their strongest ever teams, with many seasoned athletes returning to compete alongside World Cup debutants. Elite athletes from across the globe will arrive in Salford to give GB athletes a run for their money with hopes of making it on to the podium.

Les McDonald, The President of the International Triathlon Union comments: “We are pleased that Salford is hosting the ITU World Cup for the third year, and the city should be proud of its history of success with this event. Salford Triathlon is quickly establishing a reputation as one of the best ITU races in the world.”

The course sees the athletes take a plunge into the historic Salford Docks, where they will then cycle and run on a course round the quayside, taking in sights such as The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North and Manchester United Football Club.

GB team’s Michelle Dillon will be returning to the city to defend her title as champion of the 2004 elite women’s race. Michelle comments: “It was great winning at Salford last year. The course is spectacular, and the reaction and encouragement from the crowd is incredible. It was an honour to win on home soil, and I can’t wait to compete again this year. The field is very strong so it will be a great event promising exciting action.”

The field wouldn’t be complete without the age-group athletes who kick the day off. Up to 1000 athletes of all ages and ability will complete the course, across Olympic or sprint distances, and relay teams will be completing the sprint distance. This year among the relay competitors will be the Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards, who are travelling from Kenya to contend in this year’s event.

Alan Cherry, Chairman of Countryside Properties, the title sponsor of all three triathlon events comments: “We are delighted to continue our title sponsorship of this event. The breathtaking venue of Salford Quays in front of the magnificent Countryside Properties’ NV Buildings provides a fantastic backdrop to an enthralling race, and we look forward to continuing our investment in Salford.”

As with the previous Salford World Cups, the NWDA is providing lead sponsorship. Peter Mearns, Director of Marketing at the NWDA comments: “The history of the ITU World Cup in Salford is evidence of the tremendously high standard of sporting event the Northwest is capable of hosting. The international status of the competition put Salford on the global map, and we are proud once again to lend our support.”

Leader of Salford City Council, Councillor John Merry says: “This event has proven to be a fantastic day in the previous two years, and we are delighted to be hosting the ITU World Cup here again. It is a pleasure to welcome triathletes from all over the world to our city, and we’re sure they will receive a warm reception from the thousands of spectators who will turn out to support them.”

Sir Rocco Forte, hotelier and patron of the World Cup Triathlon, comments: “I’m looking forward to the 31st July. The Salford Triathlon event has always been a great success and I’m delighted that the Lowry Hotel and Rocco Forte Hotels are continuing to sponsor the event.”

Race Director John Lunt comments: “After the success of the previous ITU World Cup triathlons held in Salford, we are confident that this year’s race will be another triumph for world class sport in the Northwest. I am very pleased that so many athletes from all over the world are taking part, and this is testament to the prestige and reputation of this event.”

For more information on the Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup, or for further information, visit www.trisalford.info.