Auckland, New Zealand added to 2011 ITU Triathlon World Cup Season

The International Triathlon Union today announced the addition of Auckland, New Zealand to its 2011 ITU Triathlon World Cup season.  Set to take place on 20 November, it will act as a test event for the 2012 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Grand Final.

The ITU Triathlon World Cup series travels to the largest urban city in the country for the first time since 1998.  In all, New Zealand has hosted seven World Cups, including most recently in 2008 in New Plymouth.  The country has enjoyed phenomenal success in the World Cup series, winning 38 in total, fourth all-time.  Last June, Auckland was awarded the 2012 World Championship Grand Final, the crown jewel on the annual ITU calendar.

“With a rich 20-year history, the ITU Triathlon World Cup series continues to play a vital role in our goal of expanding the sport and reaching all corners of the globe,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member.  “The event will built a momentum for next year’s Grand Final, attracting young, energetic athletes in this region.”

“The World Cup will be hosted on the same course as the 2012 Grand Final so it will be a great opportunity for athletes to test out the course and come experience what Auckland has to offer.  We look forward to welcoming all the athletes and delivering an outstanding event in the city of sails,” said Dave Beeche, who will lead the organizing committee as the newly appointed CEO.  Beeche was instrumental in bringing the Grand Final and World Cup to Auckland as the CEO of Triathlon New Zealand for the past five years.

2011 ITU Triathlon World Cup Series:

• March 26-27: Mooloolaba, Australia
• April 17: Ishigaki, Japan
• May 8: Monterrey, Mexico
• July 10: Edmonton, Canada
• August 14: Tiszaujvaros, Hungary
• October 9: Huatulco, Mexico
• October 15: Tongyeong, South Korea
• November 6: Guatapé, Colombia
• November 20: Auckland, New Zealand