ITU Triathlon World Championships coming to Gold Coast

5 April, 2008

ITU Triathlon World Championships coming to Gold Coast

South East Queensland has added to it’s reputation as one of the world’s ‘triathlon hubs’, with Acting Premier Paul Lucas announcing the 2009 ITU Triathlon World Championships will be held on the Gold Coast.

“This is the ITU’s premier event and represents the pinnacle of achievement for the world’s best triathletes,” Mr Lucas said.

“At least 3000 elite athletes, more than 50,000 spectators and the world’s media will converge on the Southport Broadwater Parkland from 9 to 13 September 2009.

“The Queensland Government, through Queensland Events, has been committed to triathlon as a major drawcard event over a number of years.

“The 2009 World Championships is a fantastic opportunity for Queensland to cement its position as a triathlon hub, while also showing off this beautiful region to a massive potential tourism market.”

The Acting Premier highlighted that staging the Championships on the Coast was a boost to the area’s thriving triathlon industry.

The International Triathlon Union is pleased to be bringing the World Championships back to Queensland.

“In 1991, the Gold Coast played host to Australia’s first ITU Triathlon World Championships,” said Les McDonald, President, International Triathlon Union.

“At that time, a young 20-year old local athlete, Miles Stewart, claimed victory over some of the world’s finest in the sport.

“With so many international triathletes and elite squads spending each summer on the Gold Coast as they prepare for the Queensland triathlon series, including the hugely successful Mooloolaba Tri and Noosa Tri, it is fantastic to be bringing the World Championships back to Queensland.”

“Queensland’s own Emma Snowsill and Loretta Harrop also live on the Gold Coast.”

During the 2009 Gold Coast ITU Triathlon World Championships, competitors will swim 1500 metres in the Broadwater, cycle 40 kilometres through the Gold Coast’s scenic streets and finish with a 10 kilometre run around the Parklands.

Gold Coast Mayor, Ron Clarke couldn’t be happier that the ITU has chosen to stage its premier event on the Gold Coast in 2009.

“Major events are critical to the economy of the Gold Coast. As Australia’s premier tourism destination we are always looking at ways to encourage new and repeat visitation,” said Cr Ron Clarke, Mayor of the Gold Coast.

“The Gold Coast City Council works closely with Queensland Events to stage a number of events on the Gold Coast and the World Championships are another example of the solid partnership required to stage such a pinnacle event.

“Over a number of years we have established a solid relationship with Queensland Events and with Gold Coast residents actively involved in sporting events – as competitors or official – we know we can rely on them to assist with staging the 2009 Gold Coast ITU Triathlon World Championships.

“The eyes of the triathlon world will once again be on the Gold Coast.”

The 2009 Championships will also see the debut of a new event – the Global Kids Triathlon for junior athletes aged 7-15 years.

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Media Contacts: Premier's Office: (07) 3224 4500
Queensland Events: Barry Duncan (07) 3222 1027 or 0419 739 842