World Triathlon

USA Triathlon Announces New Race Series

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 7, 2005)  USA Triathlon today announced six new Grand Prix race series for amateur (age group) athletes for the 2006 season. These competitive races have been designed to provide better links for athletes to national and world championships.

“The Grand Prix concept will bring new energy into the world of multi-sport racing,” said USA Triathlon Executive Director Skip Gilbert. “Each of these series will give our members a competitive platform to showcase their talents against some of the best age-group athletes in the world.

From youth to duathlon to long distance triathlon, USA Triathlon will bring races to every region of the country using existing race directors and races. The Grand Prix Series will build on the traditions of the U.S. Triathlon Series and Bud Light Triathlon Series.

“These races will bring together athletes with the dedication, enthusiasm and sportsmanship, epitomizing the best of the multi-sport athlete,” said National Event Director Jeff Dyrek. This will be an exciting direction for our race directors, our athletes and most importantly, our sport.”

The Grand Prix Series will include the following formats:

USAT Youth Grand Prix Series
Ages: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15 (non-drafting)
Approximate distances: (7-8 and 9-10): 100m swim, 5k bike, 1k run
(11-12 and 13-15): 200m swim, 10k bike, 2k run

USAT Sprint Grand Prix Series
Approximate distances: 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run

USAT Grand Prix Series
Approximate distances: 1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run

USAT Long Distance Grand Prix Series
Approximate distances: 3k swim, 80k bike, 20k run to 4k swim, 120k bike, 30k run

USAT Duathlon Grand Prix Series
Approximate distances: 10k run, 40k bike, 5k run

USAT Long Distance Duathlon Grand Prix Series
Approximate distances: 16-plus kilometers of total running and 50-plus kilometers of total biking

USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 1,800 races and connects with more than 60,000 members each year, making it the largest multi-sport organization in the world. For more information on this and other stories related to USA Triathlon, please contact communications and media relations manager B.J. Hoeptner Evans at 719-597-9090, ext. 105 or at BJ@USATriathlon.org. Please visit USA Triathlons web site at www.usatriathlon.org.