World’s best triathletes return to Hyde Park
29th May 2014
The world’s best triathletes return to London this weekend for the PruHealth World Triathlon London – the fourth event in the 2014 ITU World Triathlon Series. The men and women’s elite races take place back-to-back over the sprint distance from 14:30 pm on Saturday afternoon, 31 May, and are free to view for spectators.
In addition to the elite races, over 5000 amateur athletes will have the opportunity to race at the London 2012 Olympic venue and an elite international paratriathlon event will take place as the sport prepares for it’s Paralympic debut in Rio in 2016.
The elite men’s race will feature the three medallists from London 2012, with Spain’s Javier Gomez currently holding pole position in the ITU World Triathlon Series rankings.Britain’s Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonathan, will want to upset Gomez’s winning streak, but there are other strong challengers that have emerged this season to ensure an enthralling battle on Saturday.
Olympic champion, Alistair Brownlee commented: "Hyde Park has special memories for me and if we can attract anything like the sorts of crowds we’ve seen previously then it’s going to be a fantastic spectacle with two sprint races back to back on oneafternoon.”
Britain’s Jodie Stimpson sits at the top of the women’s world rankings despite a foot injury in the previous round in Yokohama, Japan, which required five stitches. Helen Jenkins lies third in the rankings, ensuring that British interest will be high.
Jenkins said: “I’ve been really pleased with how this year has gone so far and I’m just really pleased to be able to train and race. My training isn’t geared to sprint races particularly, but my plan is to enjoy this one with the home support and see what happens."
London has hosted a major international triathlon every year since 2009. It is hoped that 50,000 people will be attracted to watch free live sport in Hyde Park this weekend.
Triathlon enjoyed unprecedented growth last year with an 18% increase in participation reported by British Triathlon. The PruHealth World Triathlon London provides a special opportunity for over 5,000 amateur athletes to follow in the elite’s footsteps and experience competing at a London 2012 Olympic venue during the weekend.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, welcomed the event to London. He said: “I am delighted to welcome thousands of the world’s best triathletes to London for this thrilling sporting spectacular. The triathlon continues the legacy of the 2012 Games in bringing top flight internationalevents here benefiting our economy as well as promoting the capital around the globe.”
UK Sport’s Director of Major Events and International Relations Simon Morton said: “UK Sport has been supporting the Triathlon World Series at London’s Hyde Park since 2009 and each year we see the iconic course lined with passionate supporters.
“With so many world class British athletes across all three elite races, this year’s event promises to be just as exciting as ever, and we’re delighted that it is part of our Gold Event Series.”
Event Director, Robert Puestow said: “Hyde Park is a truly world class international sporting venue and we’re delighted to be back for the fifth time. There is something for everybody, with the exciting elite races, the opportunity to watch for free and for amateurs to race at the Olympic venue..”
Spectators are invited to watch the elite events at 8am (international paratriathlon), 2.30pm (elite women) and 4.05pm (elite men) within Hyde Park on Saturday 31st May.