ITU opens bid process for 2013 World Triathlon Series
Federation opens up bidding for cities to join London on 2013 schedule
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has opened bidding for the 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series. The bidding is open to host cities and National Federations wishing to hold one of the eight coveted series events.
The successful bidding cities will join London, already named as host of the 2013 ITU Triathlon World Championship Grand Final scheduled for September 2013, on the 2012 Olympic venue in Hyde Park. Current and past host cities include Sydney, Madrid, Hamburg, Seoul, San Diego, and Washington D.C.
Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member, said:
“Thanks to the world class cities having hosted ITU World Triathlon Series events in the past, triathlon is now more visible and exposed to global audiences. With the growing worldwide television coverage, the events have a tremendous impact on a city’s image, regional economy and social legacy.”
The ITU World Triathlon Series is the premier Olympic-distance series in the world and features the top triathletes racing head-to-head in iconic cities around the globe. In addition to competing for the title of World Champion, athletes vie for a total prize purse of approximately $2-million USD, the greatest cumulative prize money in triathlon.
International television will consist of live broadcast of each event, a customised 52-minute highlight show as well as international news distribution and live internet coverage. In 2011, the every growing Series was broadcast in 160 countries with a record of 917 hours of airtime, up from 556 hours in 2010.
Host cities are expected to be announced on 15 May 2012.
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
