Top paratriathlons head to Park event
Strathclyde offers points for Rio
More than 60 of the world’s best paratriathletes will compete at Strathclyde Park on Sunday when the venue hosts the penultimate round of the 2016 ITU World Paratriathlon Event series.
Ahead of the sport’s debut at the Rio Paralympics in September, spectators will be guaranteed some incredible racing as the elite athletes compete for qualification points and undertake their final preparations ahead of the Games.
Strathclyde Park has become the iconic home of triathlon in Scotland after the success of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
On June 4 and 5, the venue will play host to an extensive weekend festival of sport, including the Paratriathlon, International Triathlon Union (ITU) and European Triathlon Union (ETU) age-group qualification races, an open sprint triathlon race, and a 10k road race.
Jane Moncrieff, CEO of Triathlon Scotland, said: “We are so proud and delighted that such a prestigious event will come to Scotland in the lead-up to Rio.
“Strathclyde Park is a fantastic venue and this event is part of a whole weekend of triathlon action in Glasgow.”
Paul Bush OBE, Visitscotland’s director of events, said: “The ITU World Paratriathlon will bring some of the world’s finest athletes to Scotland and I am sure that each and every one of them will be excited at the prospect of competing within the scenic grounds of Strathclyde Country Park.
“We look forward to seeing thousands of spectators turn out to cheer them on, and be inspired.”
Councillor Jim Roberts, North Lanarkshire Provost, said: “This gives paratriathletes an exciting opportunity to compete on the same course as the very best in the world, following the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
“We look forward to welcoming competitors, spectators and supporters to North Lanarkshire for the 2016 Strathclyde ITU World Paratriathlon Event series.”
Having received a silver medal at the ITU World Paratriathlon event in South Africa, Phil Hogg will be hoping to continue his run of success.
In the women’s field, Lauren Steadman, former Paratriathlon champion, will be the one to watch.
Having both qualified for Rio, these athletes will use this event as vital race preparation ahead of the main event in the Paralympics at the end of the summer.
All races take place in the stunning park surroundings, with a multi-lap run format, making it a great event for spectators to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to Strathclyde Park, British Triathlon provides live timing online at www.britishtriathlon.