Challenge Family and the European Triathlon Union today announced Challenge Poznan in Poland as the host for the 2016 ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships.
ETU president Renato Bertrandi said, "As the European Triathlon Union we are really proud of the cooperation with Challenge Family. This cooperation is based on strong foundations: high quality, well-prepared and family friendly competitions that are organized by the Challenge Family team.
"We are happy that triathlon develops in Europe, especially in regions that have not been so much interested in this sport before. We are really proud of popularity of triathlon in Poland and its biggest triathlon event in Poznan. We can see a really big potential in Poland, especially in Poznan that seems to be a capital of sport.
The organizational and media success of ENEA Poznan Triathlon 2014 and significant interest in Challenge Poznan 2015 convinced us to make a strategic decision in European Triathlon Union's history. We are looking forward to Challenge Poznan ETU Long Distance European Championships 2016 that will be the first such event in this part of Europe."
Mayor of Poznan, Ryszard Grobelny, said he was delighted to welcome the ETU to Poznan. "I would like to welcome the European Triathlon Union in Poznan – the city, that has been considered the polish capital of sport for years. Over 30 years ago polish triathlon was born right here and I am happy that we continue to contribute to its development.
"The sport spirit of Poznań residents is reflected in the incredible atmosphere which always accompanies such sport events. Almost every participant in each event taking place in our city highlights the enormous impression which is created by cheering crowds on each and every mile of running course or cycling race.
"I do firmly believe that You will have the full opportunity to appreciate our passion and even personally see as the slogan of our city "Poznań – city of know-how" is becoming a reality. Therefore, I look forward to working with the organization of major sporting events under the aegis of the European Triathlon Union and the Challenge Family."
Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO, echoed the ETU's sentiments regarding the long-term relationship the two organisations have. "Working with ETU is an integral part of our make up," he said. "Together we have the same objectives to support and grow the sport, provide athletes with an exceptional quality race experience and inspire others to be a part of triathlon. We are delighted that Eastern Europe's iconic triathlon, Challenge Poznan, has been selected to host the 2016 European Championship and very much look forward to working with the team in Poznan, as well as the ETU, in delivering an exceptional event for both athletes and the community of Poznan."
The 2016 Challenge Poznan ETU Long Distance European Championships will take place on 23 July 2016 and will run over the same course as next year's half distance Challenge Poznan which takes place on 26 July 2015. The fast, flat course and legendary spectator support, rivaled only by Challenge Roth, and incredible atmosphere promises a memorable race for all athletes.
Entries for Challenge Poznan 2015 are open now at www.challenge-poznan.pl.
For further information please visit www.challenge-family.com or www.etu.triathlon.org.
