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The Salford BG Triathlon World Cup is set to make a stunning return to Salford Quays this Sunday, 29 July. All of the world’s leading triathletes have confirmed their intention to fight for the $100,000 prize money on offer, including Britain’s own world champion, Tim Don.
Don was crowned World Champion in Lausanne last September and this weekend won the Corus Elite triathlon in Hyde Park.
With fifteen races making up the World Cup series, he Salford BG Triathlon World Cup is the only race held in the UK. Athletes will stay at the five star Lowry Hotel, which will also host the pre event pasta party. The event takes place on the futuristic Quays, where construction of the global media centre, mediacity:uk, has already started in advance of the BBC relocating in 2010.
The Trafford Centre and The Lowry Hotel are once again showing their support as the event’s principal sponsors and other partners such as the Manchester Evening News, United Business Centres, 220 Magazine and Esporta are back on board.
New partners include The Independent and Manchester235, one of Manchester’s latest and finest leisure and dining experiences. Also joining them are The Gentry Grooming Company, For Goodness Shakes, Tri24/7, Coca Cola and Staying Cool.
Leukaemia Research UK has signed up as the official charity for the second year running and has already benefited from a £4000 auction of last minute race places.
With Olympic selection as an additional carrot to great performances, British athletes are expected to feature strongly. Britain’s trio of World Champions will all race. Will Clarke, the World Under 23 Champion, was third last year and World Junior Champion Alistair Brownlee followed Don home for third place at Hyde Park, ahead of established senior opposition.
Rosie Clarke, sister of Will, lines up in the women’s race having just won the European Under 23 title. Both Michelle Dillon and Andrea Whitcombe have also shown excellent form so far this year.
In addition to the elite triathletes, hundreds of age group and novice triathletes will have the opportunity to race over the same challenging, technical course before the elite women’s event starts at 11.30am.
Following Tony Audenshaw’s success last year, a team from Emmerdale, including heart throb, Matthew Wolfenden (aka David Metcalfe) will take on the relay event. Accomplished triathlete and Salford Triathlon regular, Sir Rocco Forte will race again and is expected to challenge for honours in his age group.
Cllr Merry, leader of Salford City Council commented: “Salford Quays has established itself as a world class sporting venue, and we are delighted that the BG Triathlon World Cup is returning for the fifth time to the city.”
“Last year the event attracted 22,000 spectators to the Quays to enjoy the fantastic free sporting occasion. We look forward to welcoming both athletes and spectators on 29 July.”
The full distance race in Salford comprises a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run.
Great Britain Teams
Men: Tim Don (London), Will Clarke (Cambridge / Loughborough), Stuart Hayes (London), Andrew Johns (Peterborough / Switzerland), Richard Stannard (London), Alistair Brownlee (Bradford)
Women: Michelle Dillon (Wembley), Jodie Swallow (Essex / Loughborough), Andrea Whitcombe (Ruislip / Swansea), Leanda Cave (Louth / USA), Rosie Clarke (Cambridge / Loughborough), Kerry Lang (Scotland)
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