Latest news with #WorldTriathlonChampionships
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
World Triathlon's biggest event to return to NZ
Hayden Wilde is looking forward to competing on his home turf. Photo: PHOTOSPORT Tauranga will host the biggest event in the world of triathlon, with Triathlon New Zealand awarded the 2028 World Triathlon Championships. The city will host the championships as part of a three-year partnership with World Triathlon, which will also see a World Triathlon Cup in Tauranga in 2026, and the World Triathlon Championship Series race in 2027. The partnership will culminate with the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final. Alongside the grand final, Tauranga will host the Age Group World Championships, Paratriathlon World Championships, and World Triathlon Congress in November 2028. New Zealand triathlete Hayden Wilde, who grew up in the Bay of Plenty, is excited the event is coming back to Aotearoa: "Being in the place I train and being very close to my home town." Wilde, an Olympic bronze and silver medallist, said 2028 would be a huge year for him. "The LA Olympics and potentially my last Olympics but also probably my last short-course race before I look to go full distance in the ironman so to have the opportunity to race at home. Race in front of friends and family for the grand final in 2028 is super exciting for me and and could be a really cool way to have a bit of a send off in my short-course career," Wilde said. At an event launch in Tauranga on Wednesday morning, Triathlon New Zealand chief executive Pete de Wet described it as a momentous day for the sport in Aotearoa. "After an absence of 16 years, the World Triathlon Championship Series final will be returning to our shores in 2028, and we couldn't be prouder. Triathlon has such a rich heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are excited to be adding to that history over the next three years," de Wet said. "Our age group athletes are loved around the world for their unique Kiwiana approach, and I am so pleased for all those that are dedicated to attending world championship events around the world, that they will finally have the chance to do this at home, in Tauranga, in 2028." De Wet, who is also a World Triathlon Executive board director, said it would be a rare opportunity for New Zealand's top triathletes. "And for our elite athletes, who campaign for so much of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the chance to race at home, in front of their family, friends and fellow New Zealanders will be truly special." Tauranga will welcome the international triathlon community as part of a three-year partnership. Photo: Simon Dawson Photography Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the events would be a major boost to the economy and provide global exposure for the region and country. The events are expected to attract thousands of athletes, supporters, and spectators over the three-year cycle, with 4500 total athletes expected for World Triathlon Championship Finals 2028 alone. The three-year partnership will generate 6000 international visitors, 100,000 international visitor nights and $25 million in tourism visitor spend. Tauranga mayor and Olympic gold medallist Mahé Drysdale is thrilled with the news. Photo: PHOTOSPORT Tauranga ayor Mahé Drysdale, a two-time Olympic champion in rowing, was also at this morning's announcement. Drysdale said securing the World Triathlon events was a landmark achievement for Tauranga, and reflected the city's aspiration to be a premier destination for major international events. "Tauranga already boasts a proud triathlon heritage, with annual events such as the Mount Festival of Multisport, the Tinman Triathlon, and the Surfbreaker Triathlon, delivering strong community engagement and economic benefits. Hosting three of the sport's most prestigious international events will build on that momentum and elevate our city to the world stage," Drysdale said. "These events are about more than sport - they're an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. From inspiring the next generation of athletes to boosting tourism, showcasing our manaakitanga, and creating enduring economic and social benefits, the impact will be felt well beyond the finish line." World Triathlon president Antonio Arimany is excited at the prospect of triathlon's biggest event returning to a country with a rich heritage in the sport. New Zealand previously hosted the pinnacle event in Queenstown in 2003 and Auckland in 2012. Event partners include the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Tauranga City Council, and World Triathlon.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Damian Gomez defies the odds with 11th-place finish at the World Triathlon Championships
Damian Gomez defies the odds with 11th-place finish at the World Triathlon Championships With just two weeks of training, 25-year-old South African athlete Damion Gomez delivered an inspiring performance in Spain at his first-ever Triathlon World Championship, finishing 11th overall after an extraordinary test of endurance and heart. The grueling race featured a 3km swim, a punishing 121km cycle, and a 30km run. Damion began the race strong, completing the swim in 53 minutes, and then surging into seventh position by the 56km mark on the bike, trailing the leader by just four minutes. Despite intense heat and limited preparation, he pushed through the cycling leg with determination. 'My legs felt like they had been run over by a bus,' Damion shared with a chuckle, 'and I still had to run further than I've ever run before.' With no prior run training, Damion powered through the 30km flat run course in three hours, ultimately crossing the finish line with a total time of eight hours for the day. He credits the cheers of eMalahleni supporters lining the roads and the presence of his family as major sources of motivation. Reflecting on the experience, Damian described the day as 'extremely hard, hot, and long', yet filled with gratitude. 'I'm so thankful to our Lord Jesus for giving me the talent and opportunity to represent our country and do what I love,' said Damion proudly. For a first outing on the world stage, Damion Gomez didn't just compete; he inspired. And with a steely mindset and strong faith, it seems this is only the beginning. 'Patrice Gautier unfortunately fell ill three days before the race and could not take part. None the less he supported and mentored me as a coach the entire week and I would not have been able to do what I did without him,' said Damion grateful. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Al Etihad
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Athletes gear up for Challenge Sir Bani Yas - the first long-distance triathlon in the Middle East
26 Mar 2025 02:51 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI) Hundreds of triathletes from the UAE and around the world are set to descend on Sir Bani Yas Island, which will be the stunning backdrop for a new triathlon - the Challenge Sir Bani Yas on April under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the event offers not only the first long-distance triathlon in the Middle East, but also hosts races for athletes wishing to take part in middle and Olympic distance races, as well as a variety of community races for all ages and middle and Olympic distance races are recognised qualification events for the World Triathlon Championships 2025 in athletes and couple Lottie Lucas and Felipe Azevedo, two triathletes who have called the UAE home for over a decade, the race is a chance to put the country on the triathlon map."Events like this are attracting top athletes (including former World Champions!) to visit the UAE and showcase the region as an excellent place to train and live," Lucas told Aletihad. "Hopefully, this inspires other members of the UAE community to come to spectate and get involved in one of the community events too." Lucas and Azevedo are currently both ranked first in the country and will represent Team UAE in the gruelling long-distance race that consists of a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle and a 42.2km marathon. The couple say they are looking forward to experiencing Sir Bani Yas Island, which boasts a wildlife sanctuary. "The island will create an exciting race atmosphere amongst athletes and spectators, as the majority of people will be staying there for three days. This creates an exciting atmosphere in the build-up and post-race. As this is the first time the race has happened, no one really knows exactly how the course and weather conditions will play out on race day," Azevedo said. "The terrain will add some additional challenge on the bike course, which may also create some interesting dynamics against the other competitors. We are hoping the wildlife won't interfere with the race but will add to the excitement and thrill."Lucas says she is excited that many of the athletes who they coach and train with will be competing in the race. She advised athletes who are competing to be wary of the temperatures."Staying hydrated and cool is the priority, as the weather conditions are expected to be very tough. It is a 10.30am race start, meaning that we will be racing at the hottest part of the day," she said."It takes many years of consistent training to be fully prepared for such a race. When you are physically prepared and showing good numbers in training sessions, it should translate to confidence and being mentally ready to race."Azevedo said the couple would be going all out for a podium finish."As it is a 'home' race for us, it gives us extra motivation to push more in the race and to hopefully fight for a good result to make the UAE proud," he said. In addition to the long distance, middle distance and Olympic distance races, the community are open to friends, family and island visitors of all ages and abilities.
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE: New accommodation, travel options for Sir Bani Yas Challenge participants
As Abu Dhabi gears up for the region's first long distance triathlon, organisers revealed new accommodation and transport options to Sir Bani Yas Island. The full ironman distance will take place on April 5 and 6 and its course includes a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run. The event expects to host up to 3,000 athletes across different race categories, with infrastructure designed to accommodate over 6,000 visitors at the race village on race week. While the island's high-end resort remains the primary on-site lodging, organisers said they have expanded accommodation options beyond Sir Bani Yas, to provide more budget-friendly options. "We have secured all accommodation on the island, as well as various accommodation, hotel options in Al Dhannah City for athletes and supporters," said the race director. "Making sure we can accommodate all is of top priority." Addressing cost concerns, organisers confirmed that the new accommodation options cater to different budgets and urged participants to check the event website for up-to-date listings. Despite previous promotional announcements of a cruise ship option for athletes to stay on during race week, the ship will no longer be available 'due to unforeseen circumstances.' Camping, an option seen in other endurance races, will not be available either, he said. However, the race team secured accommodation in the nearby Al Dhannah City to be available for all attendees, together with free transfers. 'We are offering free transport, including ferry services, to ensure a seamless travel experience for all attendees,' explained the director. 'This is part of our commitment to making the event as inclusive and accessible as possible.' The event will also feature middle- and Olympic-distance triathlons, with the middle and Olympic distances serving as qualifiers for UAE residents aiming to compete in the 2025 World Triathlon Championships in Australia. Additionally, a series of community races, including swim, cycle, and run challenges, will allow participants of all ages to engage in the weekend's festivities. Beyond the competition, the race village will host entertainment activities throughout the weekend, including live DJs, roaming performers, and a kids' zone. 'We want this event to be more than just a race,' he said. 'We have a full lineup of entertainment and activities to create a festival-like atmosphere for both athletes and spectators.' While some local athletes refrained from taking part in the challenge to avoid racing in April's heat, particularly given that Ramadan precedes the event, making it difficult for those observing the fast to train extensively, organisers explained that scheduling the race earlier in the year was not feasible due to Ramadan and the European triathlon calendar. Nonetheless, the race team will be actively monitoring weather conditions and will adjust race schedules to ensure athlete safety. 'We have in place a comprehensive heat management plan to ensure everyone enjoys the race,' he said. 'Over and above, the start times are planned to try to ensure that athletes are not running in the mid-day heat, but rather in the cooler afternoon and early evening hours.' The race will be held earlier in the coming years 'as Ramadan moves each year to cooler months,' added the director. 'We are planning on moving the event forward in 2026 to capture the cooler March weather and ideally lock the event annually to the mid or third weekend in March.' For those looking to make the most of their visit, the island offers an array of excursions, including wildlife safaris, archaeological tours, horseback riding, and kayaking through the mangroves. Visitors can also engage in water sports, mountain biking, and guided nature walks among the island's 17,000 free-roaming animals.
