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2008 sees the launch of an exciting new British Triathlon series; the British Triathlon Grand Prix, combining for the first time ever the most prestigious and elite triathlon events in the country. This new six race series has been created by the British Triathlon Federation in partnership with IMG and Human Race, and taken up for broadcast by Channel 4 Television.
The newly-created British Triathlon Grand Prix brings together the British Triathlon Corus Elite Series, (consisting of three events): the Mazda London Triathlon – the largest triathlon event in the world, the Mazda Blenheim Triathlon, and the seven time British Triathlon event of the year, the Nokia Windsor Triathlon.
Produced by Cirencester-based production company Dreamteam Television, highlights from each of the six races will be broadcast on Channel 4 as a six-part series, equivalent to four hours of coverage, which will be played throughout the summer on both Channel 4 and Channel 4 + 1. The series will also be available on the Channel’s catch-up service 4 On Demand (4OD). This takes the exciting sport of triathlon the homes of millions of people.
With a significant combined prize purse across the six events, the races will attract the best of British talent as well as interest from as far afield as the USA, Australia and South Africa; providing exceptional opportunities for those British triathletes looking for success at the Olympic Games later this summer.
The Grand Prix kicks off on 18 May with the Reading Corus Elite Series at GreenPark, just a few miles away from the venue of the first ever triathlon held in Britain some 25 years ago.
President of the British Triathlon Federation and former elite triathlete, Dr Sarah Springman OBE, said: "The inaugural British Triathlon Grand Prix marks an important new stage in the development of elite triathlon racing in Great Britain, and hopefully we shall see some intriguing and exciting competition across the six events. The combination of the country’s top races is a positive step forward as triathlon moves from being recognised as a vibrant up and coming sport into becoming a mature and successful medal winning sport.”
Nick Rusling, Managing Director of IMG Mass Participation Sports, said: “The British Triathlon Grand Prix is a fabulous step forward for the sport of triathlon and we are delighted to be part of this ground breaking project with our Mazda London and Mazda Blenheim Triathlons. The Grand Prix partnership, together with Channel 4, will help continue to take the sport out to a new audience who can both marvel at the abilities of the elite athletes as well as realise that triathlon is a fun and achievable sport for all
John Lunt, Managing Director, Human Race Ltd, commented: “The Nokia Windsor triathlon and Human Race are delighted to be involved with this exciting project. Combining the best events in the British triathlon calendar is a great step forward for the sport. We look forward to working closely with Channel 4 and the other great events in the series”
Deborah Poulton, Deputy Editor of Sport at Channel 4 said: “This is an exciting time for Triathlon and there has never been a better time to work with these partners on the creation of this series. With the Olympics coming to London in 2012, interest will peak in our home grown talent and I hope that viewers will tune in to support some great triathlon action on Channel 4.”
British Triathlon Grand Prix
| Date | Organiser | Race | Distance |
| 18 May | British Triathlon | Reading Corus Elite Series Triathlon | Sprint |
| 07/8 June | IMG | Mazda Blenheim Triathlon | Sprint |
| 15 June | Human Race | Nokia Windsor Triathlon | Olympic |
| 09/10 Aug | IMG | Mazda London Triathlon | Olympic |
| 26 July | British Triathlon | Parc Bryn Bach Corus Elite Series | Olympic |
| 07 Sept | British Triathlon | Strathclyde Park Corus Elite Series | Super Sprint |
About British Triathlon
British Triathlon is the National Governing Body for triathlon, the UK’s fastest growing sport. At international level Great Britain boasts a strong squad of world ranked elite triathletes who regularly achieve international success and has some outstanding young talent emerging from its development programmes. Since becoming an Olympic sport in 2000, British Triathlon has seen annual increases in membership numbers of 10%. There are over 650 triathlon events conducted in Great Britain each year, including the Corus Elite Series which attracts athletes from all over the world and the renowned Mazda London Triathlon and. For more information visit BritishTriathlon.org.
About IMG Mass Participation Sports
A division of IMG, Mass Participation Sports is highly experienced in successfully staging mass participation events in the UK including: Mazda London Triathlon (the world’s largest triathlon), Mazda Blenheim Triathlon, Chelsea & Westminster Health Charity London Duathlon (the world’s largest Duathlon) and Etape Caledonia (the UK’s only closed roads mass participation cycling event). New events in 2008 will include Run to the Beat (London’s first half marathon) in addition to Barcelona and Stockholm Triathlons.
IMG is the world's premier and most diversified sports, entertainment and media company which helps the world's leading marketers and media networks to grow their businesses through IMG event properties, media production and distribution, talent brands, sponsorship consulting, brand licensing, sponsorship sales and other services.
IMG is the global leader in event management and talent representation across golf, tennis and fashion and has a significant presence in many other sports, cultural and lifestyle categories. Founded in 1960 with a handshake between Mark McCormack and golf legend Arnold Palmer, IMG has grown into a global operation. In 2004, renowned entrepreneurial pioneer Ted Forstmann acquired the company and infused it with renewed energy, creativity, and strategic direction.
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