World Triathlon

On Saturday, July 23, over 1,100 athletes will compete in the Alberta Centennial Triathlon Festival that includes: the 2005 Edmonton International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup, the World Masters Games triathlon, the Canadian – American Junior U23 Challenge, Kids of Steel, and Centennial U29 race.

Click here for full start lists and event details.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRIATHLON DELEGATES TAKE PART IN ITU COMPETITION MANAGERS’ SEMINAR
Site construction in Hawrelak Park being studied by international delegates
Fifteen international delegates in charge of organizing world class triathlon events, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games Triathlon, are in Edmonton this week taking part in an ITU competition managers’ seminar. Organizers of Edmonton’s ITU World Cup are hosting the seminar as the city’s World Cup is known as one of the best on the World Cup circuit. Of special interest to the delegates is the transformation of Hawrelak Park into a world-class triathlon venue. Site work includes constructing a temporary stadium complete with a large screen that provides for maximum spectator and media viewing, a magnificent finish area and gantry, as well as a 1,000 seat grandstand. This spectator-friendly design allows spectators to see each athlete a total of 16 times during a race.

Photo and interview opportunities will be available on Wednesday afternoon with the World Cup site construction team and the international delegates.

WHAT: ITU World Cup Triathlon Site Construction Photo Op
WHEN: 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 20
WHERE: Hawrelak Park (Finish line in the first main parking lot on left-hand side)
WHO: 15 International Triathlon Delegates (from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada &U.S.A)
Tom Keogh, ITU Edmonton World Cup Operations Director
Bob Burden, ITU Edmonton World Cup Race Director

WORLD’S TOP ELITE TRIATHLETES KICK-OFF TRIATHLON WEEKEND!
Media Briefing and Elite Athlete News Conference
Photo and interview opportunities will be available on Thursday afternoon as elite ITU World Cup triathletes will be on hand for a news conference in Hawrelak Park. Note: A media luncheon, briefing, and course walk- through will precede the media conference from 1-2 p.m.

WHAT: ITU World Cup Athlete News Conference/Photo Op & Media Briefing
WHEN: Thursday, July 21
1:00 p.m. Media briefing and course walk through. Light lunch available.
2:00 p.m. Elite athlete news conference
WHERE: Hawrelak Park (finish line near grandstands in parking lot - rain or shine)
WHO: Sheila O’Kelly, Executive Director, Edmonton ITU World Cup Triathlon
Elite Athletes:
Samantha McGlone – Canadian Olympian
Simon Whitfield – Canada, 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist
Hamish Carter – NZL, Olympic Gold Medallist
Hunter Kemper – USA, World Ranked #1
Susan Williams – USA, Olympic Bronze Medallist

For information, contact Mary Nicol, Media Relations, at (780) 408-6375/ cell (780) 233-7674.