100 days to go until new and improved Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds

Sent on behalf of British Triathlon:

Today, 2 March, marks 100 days to go until 5,000 amateur triathletes join the best in the world and descend on Leeds for an action packed weekend on 10 and 11 June 2017.

This year’s event, which will be the second to be held in the city, is set to be one of the best events in the UK this year and with thousands of entries already sold, those looking to get a piece of the action are advised to secure their entry quickly for this unique event.

Organisers British Triathlon have today opened applications for volunteers at this year’s event, and are looking for over 500 people to become ‘Tri Makers’.

This army of Tri Makers will be vital to ensure the smooth running of the event, supporting in key roles such route marshalling, registration, transition and elite athlete support. Volunteers will receive extensive training to ensure they’re up to the important task, as well as a free event t-shirt and plenty of refreshments on the day.

Applications are now open for people to become a Tri Maker. To find out more and pledge your support visit http://leeds.triathlon.org/event_info/volunteer/

On the back of the inaugural Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds in 2016, an extensive review was carried out. As a result the sport’s National Governing Body, British Triathlon, took the important decision to bring the management of the event in-house to rebuild the trust of the triathlon community.

British Triathlon has appointed a dedicated team of experienced professionals to organise the event, many of whom have the first-hand experience of delivering world-class triathlon events both in the UK and internationally.

The much-anticipated UK Sport National Lottery-funded event, organised by British Triathlon in partnership with Leeds City Council and the International Triathlon Union (ITU), has recently revealed new and improved routes for the mass participation events. Amateur athletes will get the chance of a lifetime to race on many of the same streets of Leeds as local heroes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, who will take to the city just a few hours later on Sunday 11 June.

British Triathlon have also simplified the event, by the creation of a single transition in Roundhay Park for the sprint and standard distance events. This will minimise multiple pre-event check in locations and limits the amount of transport required for age-group athletes, equipment and spectators. Additionally, a shuttle bus will be in service running from Roundhay Park to the city-centre providing transport for both athletes and spectators between the two locations.

Crowds are encouraged to line the entire length of the route and cheer on friends and family completing. The event will also present the opportunity to see the world’s best in action for free, recreating the incredible atmosphere of last year’s event that saw Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee deliver a one-two finish on home soil, showcasing the city and its residents to a live television audience.

2016 Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds Volunteer, Mark Tomkins said:

“Volunteering at the inaugural Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds was truly a memorable experience, being involved in making the event great for both the amateur and athletes.

“I’ll be the first to put my name down to join the Tri Makers again in 2017, and I can’t wait to head back to the city for another action packed weekend.”

UK Sport’s Head of Major Events, Rebecca Edser said:

“The 2017 Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds is shaping up to be a well organised event that will be the pinnacle of triathlon competition in the UK. Volunteers will have the unique chance to not only support the world’s best triathlon stars, but thousands of the sport’s most passionate age-groupers over the course of the weekend.”

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said:

“The first Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon held in Leeds created a fantastic buzz and atmosphere in the city and it is very exciting that there is now just 100 days to go before the arrival of this year’s event.

“With a packed programme of activities and events also on offer over the weekend to accompany the main event which will see some of the sport’s greatest athletes once again take on our spectacular course in Leeds, the really is an occasion not to be missed.”

Global Head of Brand and Marketing at Columbia Threadneedle Investments Rupert Pybus said:

“This year’s event is set to be one of the best triathlon events in the world. With excellent organisation by British Triathlon, together with a team of dedicated Tri Makers, Leeds will see a truly fantastic experience for all involved this June.”

For the latest information on the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds and to enter visit http://leeds.triathlon.org

ENDS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

British Triathlon Media Team on 01509 226 161

Nick Rewcastle on 07872 058221 or nick.rewcastle@runcommunications.co.uk

Becky Hewitt on 07824 145083 or beckyhewitt@britishtriathlon.org

Please visit http://www.britishtriathlon.org/media for British athlete profiles, free images* and general information about triathlon. *Please refer to image use restrictions in the gallery section of the site.

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is a leading global asset management group that provides a broad range of actively managed investment strategies and solutions for individual, institutional and corporate clients around the world. With more than 2000 people including over 450 investment professionals based in North America, Europe and Asia, we manage £361 billion¹ of assets across developed and emerging market equities, fixed income, asset allocation solutions and alternatives.

Our priority is the investment success of our clients. We aim to deliver the investment outcomes our clients expect through an investment approach that is team-based, performance-driven and risk-aware.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments started its successful relationship with the ITU World Series in 2013 and became Title Sponsor of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds in 2016.

www.columbiathreadneedle.com

All figures as of 30 September 2016. ¹ Source: Ameriprise Financial Q3 2016 earnings release. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of investments and any income is not guaranteed and can go down as well as up and may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. This means that an investor may not get back the amount invested. This material is for information only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an order to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services. Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.

British Triathlon is the Governing Body for the sport in Great Britain. It is responsible for raising the profile and delivering elite performance for Triathlon, Paratriathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon in Great Britain. Triathlon is a fast growing, dynamic and modern Olympic and Paralympic sport with talented world class athletes, coaches and support staff, focused around delivering world-class success and inspiring participation.

www.britishtriathlon.org

Leeds City Council is the second-largest local authority in England with a population of around 776,000. Leeds has a very proud sporting heritage and we are committed to encouraging sport as a way of promoting the city and healthy lifestyles, as well as bringing world-class events, building towards our ambition to become European Capital of Culture 2023. www.leeds.gov.uk

UK Sport is the nation’s high performance sports agency responsible for the strategic investment of National Lottery and Exchequer funding into Olympic and Paralympic sports and bringing major sporting events to the UK. Events already secured include the 2017 IAAF World Championships and ParaAthletics Championships, 2019 Netball World Cup and 2019 UCI Road World Championships. www.uksport.gov.uk/events

The ITU is the world governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and paratriathlon, and all related MultiSport disciplines. ITU is proudly committed to supporting the development of the sport worldwide through strong relationships with continental and national federations, working with its partners to offer a balanced sport development programme from grassroots to a high performance level. www.triathlon.org