World Triathlon

British and international triathlon stars prepare to go head-to-head in a brand-new sporting event this weekend, the Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup 2017 Nottingham. 68 elite triathletes, including five Olympians, line up on Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment on Saturday 2 September, all seeking to be the very first to lift the Cup.

Athletes will be competing in teams of four, two men and two women, each completing a mini triathlon before tagging their teammate to do the same; exactly the same format that will feature in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

With 17 quartets in the running for the event’s inaugural title, the Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup 2017 Nottingham is set to be a nail biting battle, broadcast live on BBC One in UK. Reigning ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Champions Australia are in the mix, alongside international teams from Germany, Japan and Canada. From a British perspective, 13 squads have been formed around the UK Sport Lottery Funded World-Class British Triathlon Performance Centre structure, with representation also from London and Nottingham by British Triathlon coached training groups. 

Leeds I retains the top ranking despite the withdrawal of Jonny Brownlee through illness. Aaron Royle steps into his space and Mark Buckingham has been brought in to replace him in the Leeds II team having just returned from the Pentiction ITU Multisport World Championships.

Elite action gets underway at 2:30pm (local time) in front of a sold-out grandstand. International viewers will be able to watch the event via the British Triathlon website from Tuesday onwards.

Non Stanford, Team Leeds II athlete, said; “I can’t wait to get on that start line in Nottingham. The Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup Nottingham will be a real showcase event for the sport and will give spectators an entirely new triathlon experience.I’m looking forward to seeing what support the city can give us!”

Emma McGuigan, Group Technology Officer for Accenture’s Communications, Media & Technology operating group, said, “We’re delighted to welcome the city of Nottingham to the inaugural Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup, where we are thrilled to announce our partnership with British Triathlon.

“With innovation at the heart of Accenture, we look forward to playing a key role within triathlon’s new and exciting race format and helping bring a fast-growing sport to new audiences. To everyone competing today, we wish you the best of luck!”

Jack Buckner, British Triathlon CEO, said, “After months of exciting build-up, we’re thrilled that the Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup 2017 Nottingham is finally here. We have a line-up featuring the world’s top performers, alongside the very best up and coming talent and can’t wait to see the action kick off tomorrow on Victoria Embankment.”

Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said, “How very exciting that we are hosting the first Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup in Nottingham, particularly on a course that involves swimming in the iconic River Trent.

“With a sold-out grandstand, it shows how the people of Nottingham love a good sporting event. I encourage even more to come down to Victoria Embankment to watch the race – there are lots of places to watch the action for free all along the course.

It is wonderful to have all eyes on our city and I really hope people take their chance to come out on Saturday and enjoy it. It’s not every day that you see Olympians running on Victoria Embankment.”