Want to get dirty in Jindabyne? ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships are coming

As the very best of the world's off-road athletes prepare to #GetDirtyDownUnder at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships, the Snowy Mountains are putting final preparations in place to shine on the world stage, with locals preparing to be part of the international explosion of culture, c

Want to get dirty in Jindabyne? ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships are coming
Get wild with Ben – Photo Credit: In2Adventure

Yes, the World Champs are coming to the Snowies and there’s an opportunity for everyone in the region to be a part of it. It’s a chance to be inspired while watching the world’s best race on home soil. On Friday afternoon, it’s the amateur women’s world champs race, then on Saturday morning the amateur men will take to the field. Saturday afternoon is when the big guns will be out, with the Elite Men and Elite Women tackling the Snowies course – all hoping to bring home the coveted title of champion of the world! Our very own Australian National Champion Ben Allen and Olympians Erin Densham and Courtney Atkinson will be leading the Aussie charge for gold, alongside reigning world champion Spain’s Ruben Ruzafa.

On Sunday – a world first for the Snowy Mountains – the event will host for the first time ever, a World Champs Mixed Team Relay. This is a fast, furious and exciting event for spectators where national 4-person teams including two men and two women complete a mini triathlon relay. The atmosphere will be electric with a huge helping of national pride on the line as our Aussie champions take on the world. The Junior (under 19s) and Para-triathletes world champs will also be an amazing spectacle on Sunday morning after the Team Relay.

For spectators, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take in the vibrant atmosphere of an international event with world class athletes racing at their very best. Master of Ceremonies Adam Thomson, lead singer of Aussie 90s band Chocolate Starfish will have the crowd pumping, along with Triple M Melbourne’s sports reporter Lachie Wills. Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa will also be turning on the fun with entertainment and kids’ activities, as well as a sports expo and regional stalls showcasing the very best of the Snowy Mountains. And, there will also be a chance to soak up some good old Aussie tucker in the Eat Street precinct.

In Jindabyne, the spectacle of the Parade of Nations and the Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening 17th November in Claypits Park will be another great opportunity to be a part of this international cultural festival. It will include all the colour and pageantry of the athletes’ parade, featuring entertainment from the likes of our very own Snowy Horsemen and the launch of the Event Anthem Everybody’s Human Race written and performed by Adam Thomson. Local schools Jindabyne Central and Snowy Mountains Grammar will also be joining the party and play a big role in the Opening Ceremony and the week-long festival.

It’s going to be a true community event with an army of local volunteers. Our ‘TRUE BLUE CREW’ will be lining up to be a part of the action on the course, at the finish line, at the aid stations and throughout the event.

Plus, the best news of all, even amateur athletes, families and the kids can be a part of the world champs’ festival, with a series of short course events hosted on Sunday afternoon. These include a Sprint, Teaser, Junior and Dirt Kids triathlon which is open to all comers to have the chance to race on a world champs course! You don’t have to be fast, overly fit or experienced to come and have a go at these fun and friendly events.

So, whether it’s as a spectator, cheer squad, volunteer or competitor, everyone can be a part of this world class event as we showcase this spectacular region to the world.