New Plymouth confirmed on ITU World Cup Triathlon calendar

New Plymouth will again play host to an ITU World Cup Triathlon, with confirmation that the Quality Hotel Plymouth International ITU World Cup race will be hosted in the city on April 2nd 2017.

The event dubbed Sprint by the Mountain was confirmed by the ITU with the release of their international calendar and is made possible with the ongoing support of Quality Hotel Plymouth International, Venture Taranaki, Port Taranaki and TSB Community Trust.

It is another boost for a region that continues to enhance its reputation as a welcoming, vibrant and exciting region for domestic and international visitors.

"Lonely Planet has judged Taranaki the second best region in the world to visit in 2017, and this event contributes to the communitys vibrancy and energy that was praised by the award," said Venture Taranaki Chief Executive Stuart Trundle.

"This event will reach a substantial global audience, both through broadcast media and the stories the athletes and their supporters tell, and that helps showcase the region to the world and encourages local residents to experience the sport of triathlon at the highest level.

"If we can influence one young spectator to aspire to become an Olympian, we have achieved our objective."

"Were pleased to be able to welcome an event of this calibre back to New Plymouths event calendar for 2017," Stuart said.

Quality Hotel Plymouth International Managing Director Darrin Muggeridge is pleased to once again throw his support behind the 2017 race.

"The team at the Quality Hotel Plymouth International are proud to again be involved in this truly international event as naming rights partner. It is an event that contributes to New Plymouths growing reputation as a vibrant and must see region for both our domestic and international visitors - as was highlighted recently by Lonely Planet.

"The ITU World Cup race has a proud history in New Plymouth and will again Im sure attract a strong international field and another large crowd to watch the racing. Such events can only be good for our profile, our reputation as great hosts and of course only benefits the local economy with an influx of visitors from around New Zealand and the world."

Event Director Terry Sheldrake says the event is a popular one with the ITU and most importantly, the elite athletes.

"New Plymouth always rates highly amongst the athletes when they look at their favourite events on the ITU calendar. They love the course and they love the Kiwi hospitality and the way we do things. Engaging with our community is central to that and the athletes do a great job in working with our schools programme to inspire children to be fit and active, as well as promoting the event and the sport of triathlon. We look forward to hosting another successful event in New Plymouth, one that is seen around the world through television coverage and social media which in turn promotes the region."

Port Taranaki chief executive Guy Roper said he was delighted Taranaki had again been chosen to host the event and the port area was the perfect facility for the worlds best triathletes to test themselves in the sprint-length swim, bike and run.

"Were thrilled the ITU Triathlon World Cup will be coming back to Taranaki again. Were building a long and successful association with the event and believe its a great way to showcase Taranaki to the world," Mr Roper said.

"Weve got a fantastic facility right here, where all three disciplines can be catered for easily, and the location offers great viewing spots for the thousands of spectators who line the course.

"The swim is held off the ports Ngamotu Beach, the bike leg is raced around the streets adjacent to the port, and the run leg is held on port-owned Ocean View Parade. As well as the venue, Port Taranaki provides logistics support for the event."

Sheldrake says the focus is now very much on attracting as strong a field of athletes as possible, and ensuring that the event and the community remain very much entwined.

"We have a wonderful record for the quality of races that we have put on and that has no doubt contributed to the very large and enthusiastic crowds that have come out to see some of the best triathletes in the world.

"We will again ensure that those athletes do not just come to race, but to engage with the schools and wider community to deliver a positive message about exercise, health and fitness - in this case through triathlon. Such an event is only possible with the assistance of the entire community, but in particular the support of Quality Hotel Plymouth International, Venture Taranaki, TSB Community Trust and Port Taranaki, it is yet another example of the city coming together to enable a significant international event to be hosted here."

Quality Hotel Plymouth International ITU New Plymouth World Cup

2016 Results

Elite Men

Gold Richard Murray, (SAF), 53:08

Silver Andreas Schilling, (DEN), 53:28

Bronze Rostyslav Pevtsov (AZE), 53:32

4 Ryan Sissons (NZL), 53:33

5 Marten Van Riel, (BEL), 53:34

Elite Women

Gold Gwen Jorgensen, (USA), 58:51

Silver Andrea Hewitt, (NZL), 59:13

Bronze Kirsten Kasper (USA), 59:20

4 Mari Rabie (RSA), 59:28

5 Miriam Cassillas Garcia (ESP), 59:38

Quality Hotel Plymouth International ITU Triathlon World Cup

April 2nd 2017

Ngamotu Beach

New Plymouth

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Triathlon New Zealand