Leeds UK Candidate to Host World Triathlon Series
Leeds could play host to another major international sporting event next year as the city is being considered to stage a round of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series.
If successful it will give Leeds’-own triathlon superstars Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee the chance to compete in front of a packed home crowd in an atmosphere similar to the Tour de France Grand Départ in the city last summer.
British Triathlon selected Leeds to host the high-profile running, cycling and swimming event after six years of it being held in London. Major cities such as Cape Town, Abu Dhabi and Chicago are also hosting races this season.
Olympic Triathlon Champion Alistair Brownlee said: “The ITU World Triathlon Series is about delivering world-class racing in iconic locations and Leeds will guarantee to do just that.
“The Tour de France Grand Départ 2014 demonstrated how much the people of Leeds and Yorkshire love sport, and the opportunity for not just myself but also for athletes from around the world to race in front of crowds like that will create an unforgettable event.
“It will create a platform to inspire the local community to get involved in the sport and continue the proud triathlon tradition within Yorkshire.”
The free-to-view race would start with a 1500m swim in Roundhay Park, followed by a 40km bike route into Leeds city centre where athletes would finish with a 10km run.
As with the Tour de France, Leeds Council would look to involve local schools and communities with a programme of cultural and sporting activities in the build up to the event.
The decision will be announced in May.