ITU World Cup Confirmed for Mooloolaba in 2018

For 25 years Mooloolaba has been the premier destination for international and local triathletes and its significance has been confirmed with the International Triathlon Union (ITU) announcing the ITU Mooloolaba World Cup as the second race of the 2018 ITU World Cup calendar.

ITU Mooloolaba World Cup will be held on the weekend of 10-11 March and returns to the fast and furious sprint distance of 750 swim/20km ride/5km run, and with the event scheduled less than four weeks before the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, it will play a pivotal role in shaping the 2018 triathlon season.

IRONMAN Oceania Managing Director Dave Beeche said that with the ITU Mooloolaba World Cup in March and the Commonwealth Games triathlon on 5 and 7 April if you love triathlon, and sport in general, Queensland will be a great place to be.

“With the ITU Mooloolaba World Cup and the 2018 Commonwealth Games so close together, the Sunshine Coast will be the home base of many international and Commonwealth athletes chasing their dreams. The outstanding local training facilities and the ITU Mooloolaba World Cup race will play an important part of their final preparation.”

“Mooloolaba is synonymous with triathlon and next year’s event marks the 14th ITU World Cup held on the Sunshine Coast. With the sport’s greatest names in town both the men’s and women’s field will be super strong and the shorter, quicker and more intense sprint format will guarantee local triathlon fans will be treated to some of the best racing on the planet.”

“With both the ITU World Cup and Commonwealth Games medals up for grabs there is sure to be plenty of interest and I am sure local fans will take the opportunity to come down, don the green and gold, and support our Commonwealth Games athletes like Ash Gentle and Jake Birtwhistle,” he said.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said the staging of the event in Queensland reinforced the state’s position as Asia-Pacific’s home of triathlon and endurance sports.

“The Mooloolaba World Cup has become an iconic event for the Sunshine Coast, drawing thousands of competitors and visitors each year, and the change to a sprint distance triathlon is sure to be another event drawcard.”

“The event will no doubt attract strong interest from elite triathletes and Commonwealth Games hopefuls and is a testament to the Sunshine Coast’s appeal as a premier sporting events destination.

“The event is also perfectly timed to leverage off the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, taking place in April 2018,” Ms Jones said.

Sunshine Coast Council Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the region was excited about the inclusion of the ITU Mooloolaba World Cup in the iconic Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival.

“The Sunshine Coast has proudly hosted this iconic tri festival for 25 years, reinforcing our region’s reputation for being the home of triathlon in Australia.”

“In 2018, we will also be welcoming a large number of Commonwealth Games athletes who will training on the Sunshine Coast in the lead-up to the games.

“We’ll be encouraging our locals to get on down to the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival and provide a warm welcome to these elite athletes,” Cr OPray said.