Africa added to ITU World Series
Cape Town to host maiden WTS Africa leg in April
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced an addition to the 2014 World Triathlon Series calendar. For the first time ever, a World Triathlon Series event will be held on the continent of Africa with a race slated to be held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa on April 26-27, 2014.
The World Triathlon Cape Town race will serve as the second stop on the eight-city tour, which kicks off in Auckland on April 5-6. Cape Town is one of only two cities to debut on the WTS calendar in 2014, with Chicago also hosting an event for the first time.
“We have been working to secure a WTS event in Africa for a long time,” ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado said. “This will also serve as an important development tool for all of Africa.”
Race organisers have proposed a two-lap 1,500m swim within the V&A Waterfront, followed by a scenic eight-lap 40km bike ride along Beach Road and a four-lap 10km run with constant ocean views for the elites. The weekend of events will also include races for mass participation events.
Age groupers will have the option to choose between a standard distance course or hone their speed skills on a sprint course. Standard and sprint distance team relays are also on the schedule, offering a race for all abilities. In addition to the competitions, athletes will be treated to a weekend full of festivities including sundown concerts, a race exhibition, kids & family races.
Image: Martin Power
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
