From Matchtight Media
Three years from today, the 2012 Olympic triathlon races will be taking place in Hyde Park. There will be an early opportunity to see the sport in action on parts of the Games course when the latest race in the 2009 world championship tour takes place in London next weekend (August 15 and 16) – though given the nature of the sport, it will be anything but a dry run for the competitors.
Alistair Brownlee, 21, from Leeds, is one of the favourites to win next weekend’s title. Britain also has the reigning women’s world champion, Helen Jenkins, and 2006 men’s world champion, Tim Don, racing next weekend.
The Hyde Park event also offers a separate opportunity as the Olympic venue will also be the stage for a mass-participation event on Sunday. More than 1,000 people have already signed up for this race – involving a 1,500-metre swim in the Serpentine, a 40km bike race around the park, and finnished off with a 10km run.
Olympic rowing gold medallist James Cracknell will be among the public attempting the course on August 16. “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Dextro Energy World Championship Series Triathlon in London this summer — and covering the event for the Daily Telegraph,” Cracknell said.
“I am really enjoying triathlon at the moment — even if I do have to work on my swimming! It will be great to get a sneak preview of the course that will be used for the London 2012 Olympics and there is a real buzz about cycling and triathlon in the country at the moment so I’ve no doubt the support will be massive.â€
Europe’s biggest paratriathlon will also take place in Hyde Park on August 15, while organisers are hoping for 10,000 spectators each day for an event which will be televised by the BBC.
With London also hosting the modern pentathlon world championships (at Crystal Palace, August 13-17) and an international basketball event (at another 2012 Olympic venue, 02 Arena, August 14-16), next weekend is a true “warm-up weekend†for the London Olympics.
For further information, accreditation forms or pictures contact the event press office on (01225) 443998 or (07831) 7553551 or press@matchtight.co.uk
Timetable of events
Saturday 15 August
10.00 Elite Race, Women
13.15 Elite Race, Men
16.30 Paratriathlon Race
Sunday 16 August
08.00 Youth Male Race (14-15 yrs)
08.02 Youth Female Race (14-15 yrs)
08.30 Junior Male Race (16-19 yrs)
08.32 Junior Female Race (16-19 yrs)
09.00 First wave of Age Group Races starts
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