The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has opened up the bidding process for the World Triathlon Series to all National Federations and cities interested in hosting the premier triathlon circuit for the next three seasons.
Given the unique nature of Dublin’s Mountains to Sea geography, as well as having major international brands including Vodafone and Europcar on board as national sponsors, is it possible that the city will consider a bid?
Being added to the series, alongside London, Hamburg and Stockholm in Europe for 2014, means that there is then a possibility of hosting the 2016 and 2017 World Triathlon Series Grand Final races.
This would attract more than 6,000 international age-group athletes.
Last year 277 triathletes travelled from Ireland to compete in the World Series Final in London.
Triathlon Ireland CEO Chris Kitchen is well known within international circles and would certainly have credibility leading a bid.
A bid would also fit well with the enthusiasm generated by the European Sports Tourism Summit in Limerick earlier this month.
“The World Triathlon Series continues to soar beyond our expectations from the quality of racing to the growth of the events to the exposure cities receive,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado.
“Its popularity now allows to open bidding for multiple seasons in advance, as well as host events in all parts of the world, as we did this year with Africa debuting in the Series.”
The ITU World Triathlon Series is the premier triathlon series in the world and features the top triathletes racing head-to-head in cities around the globe. In addition to competing for the title of World Champion, athletes vie for a total prize purse of over $2-million USD, the greatest cumulative prize money in triathlon.
The series is comprised of standard and sprint distance events, with one race also selected to host the Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships.
Cities interested in hosting a World Triathlon Series event must submit bid documents in conjunction with their respective National Federations.
