Challenge Family, European Triathlon Union (ETU) and British Triathlon are delighted to announce that Challenge Weymouth UK will host the 2015 ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships on Sunday 13th September 2015.
Famous for its fine Georgian seafront and long golden, sandy beaches, Weymouth offers one of the most spectacular and historic race locations in the world. Despite only being in its first year, the event has already gained considerable attention on an international level.
And it's clear to see what makes the event so special. Opening with a sea swim, in the protected, clear, blue waters of Weymouth bay the rolling bike course then weaves through the stunning local countryside offering competitors a fast and smooth course, taking in the beautiful surrounding terrain. The run then leads through Weymouth town, with entertainment and music throughout, which look set to make it an experience for all athletes and spectators.
Renato Bertrandi, President of the ETU, is very pleased to be able to formally announce the new Championship location and he said, "We are happy to confirm that the Long Distance European Championships will take place in Weymouth UK in 2015. I am sure that all our long distance athletes, elite and age group, will not lose the occasion to compete in order to fight for the European title. As per this season, the European Championships will be over the full and half distance and we have already announced the half distance at Challenge Rimini. We are sure that the collaboration with Challenge will deliver excellent and safe races."
Ian Howard TD, British Triathlon President, added "Long distance triathlon is hugely popular with our Home Nation's members and we are delighted to be able to work in partnership with Challenge Family, Just Racing UK, the European Triathlon Union and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council to bring the 2015 ETU Challenge Long Distance Triathlon European Championships to Weymouth, host venue for the London 2012 Olympic Sailing races.
"The opportunity to deliver a major triathlon event in an iconic location like Weymouth is very exciting and I am sure it will be an event not to be missed for competitors and spectators alike."
Challenge Family CEO Zibi Szlufcik said, "With the very passionate crew of Challenge Weymouth, and the excellent support of British Triathlon; the 2015 ETU European Championships will become the pinnacle of long distance racing in Europe.
"It is the only official European Long Distance Championship event, and will offer athletes of all ages the amazing opportunity to represent their respective country and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Weymouth community. We are willing to deliver nothing less than the best ever ETU Championship event in 2015, and the 2014 event provides an excellent opportunity for athletes to test the course."
Alan Rose, Challenge Weymouth Race Director, is absolutely delighted to learn that Challenge Weymouth has been presented with Championship status and he said, "We are extremely honoured and proud to be able to make this announcement, and it is very much a reflection as to how hard the Just Racing UK events team have worked to deliver Challenge within the UK over the last four years. We are confident that this will significantly strengthen the reputation of Challenge in the UK, and we look forward to welcoming a truly world-class field to our event."
A limited number of entries are still available to this year's inaugural Challenge Weymouth and Weymouth Half events at www.challengeweymouth.com.
