Thursday, 18 March 2010
Team Triathlon
Involving teams of four, each athlete completes a small triathlon of swimming, cycling and running, before tagging their team mate. Races last between an hour and ninety minutes and are very explosive and exciting to watch.
In 2009 the mixed team event made its debut at the Des Moines Elite Cup in the USA where the Swiss were crowned as world champions over the new format. This new dimension of the sport has been proposed for inclusion in the Olympic Games.
2010 and Beyond
“The team world championships are crucial in ITU’s quest to have a team event on the Olympic programme,” said ITU Secretary General Loreen Barnett. “Recently the IOC Executive Board approved the mixed relay for the Youth Olympic Games, demonstrating the IOC’s support of the concept. It also represented an important step forward for the team relay’s inclusion in future Olympic Games”
What the athletes are saying
Emma Snowsill, Australia. Beijing Olympic champion:
“It’s fantastic; I think it just shows the sport and what we do in a slightly different format. Obviously, there are a lot of other sports that get to compete as a team and this is just the same. If they can see how exciting it is, how close the racing is even after having four team members; I think it really should be a part of the Games.”
Simon Whitfield, Canada. Sydney Olympic champion, Beijing Olympic silver:
“It was another great day and this event is very exciting for the future of our sport, it was definitely fun and everyone raced exceptionally well. It’s a spectacular event.”
Greg Fraine, New Zealand national coach:
“In this type of racing if you aren’t at 100% you are going to be off the pace, it was relentless; all race and seconds at crucial moments can make or break your chances. Team racing is an exciting addition to the sport and one that will go from strength to strength.”
Previous World Championships
Prior to 2009 the team events were divided between men and women and comprised of 3 athletes.
2007
The 2007 Team Triathlon World Championships were held in Tiszaujvaros, Hungary where Russia claimed both top spots in men’s and women’s races.
Read the men’s race report here
Read the women’s race report here
2006
In 2006 the Team World Championships traveled to Cancun, Mexico. Italy was first across the line in the women’s with USA taking the men’s crown.
Read the men’s race report here
Read the women’s race report here
Triathlon.org Video player will appear here
