triAthlone – Making a splash: Ireland to host the 2010 ETU European Triathlon Championships in Athlone this July. Over 4,000 competitors are expected to take part with high hopes for the Irish elite team it’s going to be a great four days of sport! June 18th 2010 Waterways Ireland triAthlone encompasses events for participants across all levels of competition; from charity and fun entrants, to those competing at the highest Irish amateur level. For 2010, triAthlone has seen an increase in participants training for this year’s event and for the first time ever in the history of the country, the event is proud to host the 2010 ETU European Triathlon Championships.
In 2009 there was a total of 2,500 competitors with the number registered to compete this year has almost doubled to 4,000. This is the first time that Ireland has hosted such an event with over 2,000 competitors in triAthlone, 1,500 European Champions, 40 Paratri and 300 Elites taking part. There are approximately 1,500 international competitors attending this year’s event as far away as Eastern Russian and Israel.
It is not only the high numbers of participants that have excited the triAthlone organisers, participants also vary in age. One of the eldest Irish participants is David Hawcraft who is competing in the 65-69 years in triAthlone Ireland. Sam Gorden who is also competing in the 65-69 age group is proudly representing Ireland in the European Championships. One amazing International participant is competing in the 75-79 age group and a further 3 men are competing in the 70-74 age bracket.
Liam Heavin, Chairman triAthlone said; “This is the biggest year yet for Waterways Ireland triAthlone and we are thrilled to be hosting the 2010 Athlone ETU European Triathlon Championships, an event that has seen a large increase if interest from participants and supporters alike.” He continued, “It is also great to see some elder participants taking part this year. They are well trained for the event and we look forward to cheering them on.”
The triAthlone course has also improved in quality from previous years and it proudly now ranks second to Spain in the Olympic qualifiers. In total there will be 12 triathlon events over the periods of 4 days, and the Defence Forces will be hosting the European Age Group Championships for 2010. The main elite race will begin with 2 laps of a 750m swim loop in the River Shannon before the competitors will then take to their bikes for 8 loops totalling the 40km bike, ending with a spectacular town-centred 4-lap 10km run. All of this takes place with the historical Town Centre and West Bank of Athlone forming a fitting backdrop. The women’s Elite European Championships takes place Saturday July 3rd, with the Men’s Elite European Championships taking place on Sunday July 4th.