Edinburgh awarded world title event - Sports Journalists' Association

From the British Triathlon Federation
The British Triathlon Federation is pleased to announce that the 2010 ITU Duathlon World Championships will take place in Rdinburgh from September 3-5, 2010.

The Duathlon event consists of a 10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run and is expected to attract hundreds of elite and age group competitors from around the world to the Scottish capital where they will compete around Holyrood Park, Arthurâ€™s Seat and the Scottish Parliament.

Scotland boasts a strong tradition within duathlon, most notably through reigning ETU Duathlon European Champion Catriona Morrison from Broxburn. Morrison has five major titles to her name in the last four years including two ETU Duathlon European Championships (2007 and 2009), two ITU Long Distance Duathlon World Championships (2007 and 2008) and she was ITU Duathlon World Champion in 2006.

Dr Sarah Springman OBE, president British Triathlon Federation, Vice-President ITU, commented: â€œHosting a World Championships, in duathlon, and in Scotland shows British Triathlon’s commitment to the diversity that makes up the ITU portfolio of disciplines as well as to our own Home Nations.

“We seek to put on a world class event for world class athletes with the valuable help of our partners in the City of Edinburgh Council, Event Scotland, Triathlonscotland and our in-house events team. We are delighted to welcome the world’s elite and age group duathletes and challenge them to take on the exciting course around Arthur’s Seat, while exhibiting their transition skills in front of two of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings, ancient and modern, the Queen’s historic Palace at Holyrood House and the Scottish Parliament.â€

President of triathlonscotland, Geoff Earl added: â€œâ€œtriathlonscotland is thrilled to host this World Class event in Edinburgh, allowing the opportunity to showcase the beauty of our capital, the strength of our performers and provide an important platform for the development of the sport and its volunteer workforce in such an important period in British sport.â€