Ironman Triathlon signs five-year Australian broadcast deal with Network Ten and One HD

Sydney, September 30, 2010 “World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is pleased to announce a new five-year Australian broadcast rights partnership with Network Ten and One HD.

The agreement between World Triathlon Corporation and Network Ten provides Network Ten and One HD with the exclusive Australian free-to-air broadcast rights for Ironman triathlon from 2010 through to 2015. The Ford Ironman World Championship, Ironman Australia and Ironman Western Australia events will be among the twelve one-hour programs aired exclusively each year on Network Ten’s high definition sports channel, One HD.

Alongside these races, One HD will be airing one-hour highlights packages from nine other international Ironman races each year. These programs will provide Australian audiences with access to the best Ironman racing from Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

World Triathlon Corporation’s Brand Manager, Trent Taylor, said: “This broadcast partnership will enable Australian’s to be captivated by the extraordinary human endeavour that is Ironman. It is the most significant media deal in the history of the sport in Australia.

“Ironman is so much more than a triathlon. For many people it is a once in a lifetime, and often life-changing, experience.

“Many people remember the scene of Julie Moss’ legendary crawl to the finish line in Hawaii in 1982; there are inspiring and courageous stories like this happening in Ironman racing around the world and we are excited that this partnership will enable us to share those stories,” Mr. Taylor said.

An Ironman triathlon consists of a 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike and 42.2 kilometre run. More than 100,000 people compete in 25 Ironman events worldwide every year.

To launch this new partnership, the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship highlights program will be the first Ironman program aired by OneHD and Network Ten.