Posted: May 21, 2007

Triathlon: Strathclyde Country Park to host Corus Elite Series Triathlon

Strathclyde Country Park will host the first event of the Corus Elite Series, a three race triathlon competition, on May 27th thanks to the backing of EventScotland, North Lanarkshire Council and Glasgow 2014. The world class facilities at the park have been recognised as part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid and in the event of it being successful, the venue will play host to the triathlon competition. The race adds to the portfolio of elite triathlons hosted in Scotland, and has been given the support of the country’s national events agency, EventScotland. Paul Bush, Acting Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland said; “We are pleased to have played a lead role in securing the Corus Elite Triathlon series at Strathclyde Park for the first time. “Our investment in the event ensures that television footage will be broadcast across the world, promoting the quality of the venue and importantly enhancing Scotland’s reputation as a destination for major, international sporting events.” The course will offer a challenge to the competitors. The 750m swim includes an enclosed lap of the Loch before the 20km cycle leg will take participants out onto forest roads. Athletes will then transition into a hilly 5km run to race to the finish. The event will also play host to the National Sprint Triathlon Championships and be held in conjunction with a major Age Group race. Scotland will be represented by a pool of established athletes and developing youngsters. Andrew Fargus and Fraser Cartmell are international triathlon veterans, whilst the likes of Ritchie Nicholls and Kirsty McWilliam have already demonstrated their potential with some impressive junior results - and may even develop into medal hopes for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. 2006 World Duathlon Champion, Broxburn’s Catriona Morrison will also be taking part having enjoyed recent success racing in a Half-Ironman event in the Caribbean ahead of the European Duathlon Championships in Edinburgh next month. The event will also benefit from an international field, with athletes flying in from across the Commonwealth and Europe. South Africa’s Hendrik De Villiers, the 2007 African Champion, and winner of the latest round of triathlon World Cup will be one of the premier athletes competing for the €3,750.00 first place prize. He will be up against an impressive British men’s field which includes three World Champions: Junior World Champion Alistair Brownlee, World Aquathlon Champion Richard Stannard and World Student Champion, Harry Wiltshire as well as up and coming Under 23 sensation, Olly Freeman. The women’s field is headed by last year’s winner of the Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon, Andrea Whitcombe, who was also sixth at the 2006 World Championships. Michelle Dillon, who took a silver medal at the World Duathlon Championships last weekend will provide strong competition, whilst the resurgent Jodie Swallow will be hoping to mark her return to elite competition with a win. Scotland are further represented by the experienced Kerry Lang and Stirling University student, Alice Hector. Strathclyde Country Park is a key venue within North Lanarkshire and plays a significant role in promoting the council’s cultural strategy and encouraging participation in sport, thus maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Within this vision, it is a priority of the authority to make facilities welcoming and accessible and to encourage widespread participation. For further information on the Corus Elite Series, please see www.corustriathlon.com. About British Triathlon The British Triathlon Federation is the National Governing Body for triathlon, the UK’s fastest growing sport. At elite level Great Britain boasts a strong squad of world ranked triathletes and duathletes who regularly achieve international success, and has some outstanding young talent emerging from its youth programmes. Since becoming an Olympic sport in 2000, British Triathlon has seen large annual membership increases and now totals over 12,000 members throughout its Home Nation Associations. There are over 500 triathlon events conducted in Great Britain each year including the London Triathlon, the largest triathlon event in Europe; and the BG Triathlon World Cup race in Salford, one of the leading international events. About Corus Corus is Europe's second largest steel producer with revenues of £9.7 billion and crude steel production of 18.2 million tones in 2006, primarily in the UK and the Netherlands. Combining international expertise with local customer service, the Corus brand represents quality and strength, providing innovative solutions to the construction, automotive, packaging, mechanical engineering and other markets worldwide. Corus is a subsidiary of Tata Steel, the world's fifth largest and second most global steel producer. With a combined presence in 45 countries, Tata Steel including Corus has 84,000 employees across four continents and a pro forma crude steel production of 27 million tonnes in 2007. About Event Scotland EventScotland is the national organisation for sporting and cultural events and co-ordinates the delivery of the Major Events Strategy published by the Scottish Executive in November 2002. The strategy is designed to maximise the benefits of existing events, to attract new events, to showcase Scotland's assets and to encourage more people to visit Scotland, experiencing at first hand, major sporting and cultural events being staged in the country. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and the latest event news please visit EventScotland.or. About Glasgow 2014 Glasgow is bidding to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. With 70% percent of venues already in place and another 20% already complete, it can promise world class facilities for a world class event. But that is just the beginning of the story. The athletes’ commission – made up of 20 of Scotland’s finest sports men and women – has been involved in writing the bid document, ensuring that our Games will be the most athlete friendly Games ever. For more details about Glasgow 2014 visit our website and read our Bid Book at www.glasgow2014.com. About North Lanarkshire Council Based in the heart of Scotland, North Lanarkshire has a population of around 327,000 and covers one of the largest local council areas in the country The central location, excellent transport links and natural scenic beauty ensure that the area is popular, both as an ideal location to set up home or business, or as a centre for the casual visitor or touring holidaymaker. The area has a thriving sport and leisure industry, with almost 3million users of sport facilities every year. Strathclyde Country Park is the premier visitor attraction throughout the authority area, covering over 1,000 acres and offering a variety of sporting activities. The venue has been visited as part of the Commonwealth Games Bid and in recent years has hosted some of the world’s largest rowing events. Including the FISA World Rowing Masters in 2007. It remains a popular site for casual walkers and more serious runners with an attractive scenic route around the loch proving an ideal setting for a number of organised races throughout the year.