Triathlon grows as ITU’s Television Audience figures released
Triathlon is being watched and enjoyed by more people around the world, according to the International Triathlon Union's 2010 television audience statistics released today
Triathlon is being watched and enjoyed by more people around the world, according to the International Triathlon Union’s 2010 television audience statistics released today.
A significant gain in ITU’s television reach in 2010 from the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series underscores triathlon’s continued growth. This increase was achieved despite airing one less event in 2010 compared to 2009.
In all 556 hours of ITU’s events aired in 2010, up from 350 hours in 2009. Television contacts* also rose dramatically with 323-million per event in 2010 compared to 262-million contacts per event in 2009.
“People are drawn to triathlon because it’s exciting, looks spectacular on television and is a true lifestyle sport that is within everyone’s grasp, regardless of age or gender,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. “Through increased television audiences and unprecedented participation at all levels, we can see that people relate to triathlon, which fuels the sport’s continual growth.”
Other highlights include:
– Broadcasts in 149 countries
– Live broadcasts in 24 countries
– 728,000 spectators on-site
– 21,000 athletes in mass-participation races
In 2011, ITU’s seven World Championship Series events will be broadcast live to a worldwide audience. Next year’s Series will include the official test event for the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 6-7 and will conclude with the Grand Final in Beijing-site of the 2008 Olympic Games-on September 10-11.
Triathlon has been on the Olympic Games programme since Sydney 2000. Earlier this month, paratriathlon was added to the Paralympic Games for Rio 2016.
The research and analysis of the television statistics was done by Upsolut, ITU’s organisation and marketing partner for the World Championship Series, in conjunction with IFM Sports.
Credit: Delly Carr
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
