The Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival is back for a massive two weekends this year.
The 2019 event has been expanded over two weekends and will now include an off-road weekend of racing held at Pallarenda.
Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival Chair Jamie Fitzpatrick said the Festival has also secured three ITU World Championship qualifying events.
“The Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival has been successful in a bid to secure three qualifying events for the ITU World Championship,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“The finishing position of these races will determine the selection points for each competitor, giving them a chance race at Edmonton in Canada or Almere in Amsterdam in 2020.
“These qualifying events will bring interstate visitors to Townsville as they vie for their selection points and providing a good boost to the economy.”
Townsville will also hold five national titles for the next two years in the lead up to the 2021 ITU World Championships being held in Townsville.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said securing the 2021 ITU World Championships has resulted in a great legacy for both the region and local festival.
“The Townsville Triathlon Festival will now host national titles and qualifying events in the lead up to the 2021 ITU World Championships, expanding the event to two weekends,” Ms Jones said.
“This announcement will boost the event’s status and attract more competitors from across Australia and the globe to our city. Showcasing the best of the region over two weekends of sport.
“The Townsville Triathlon Festival is fast becoming the biggest regional triathlon in Queensland, which only further cements the city’s reputation as a world-class sporting destination.
“This is another fantastic legacy off the back of securing the 2021 ITU World Championships, which is expected to pump $16 million into the local economy.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said these events show why Townsville is the events capital of North Queensland.
“Townsville is the perfect location for these world-class events, and we have shown time and time again that we can bring the crowds and participants here,” Cr Hill said.
“Hosting these events gives our city a major economic boost with visitors staying in our accommodation, eating in our restaurants, telling our story and enjoying the local attractions.”
There will be 22 events held over 2 weekends, with events suitable for experienced athletes through to beginners, teams and anyone just looking to have fun.
Triathlon Australia Chief Executive Officer Miles Stewart said Triathlon Australia are pleased to support the Intersport Townsville Triathlon Festival Multisport.
“Triathlon Australia are providing support by granting the event the 2019 Aquathlon and Duathlon national championships, in 2020 this will also include Cross Triathlon,” Mr Stewart said.
“This announcement is part of the strategy in preparation for next year’s ITU Multisport World Championships and is an enormous boost to the event and Townsville.
“The inclusion of these additional events will bring increased economic benefit to Townsville in the two years leading up to the World Championships.”
Local triathlete Conor McKay – who will be competing for the fifth time – said that the World Championship qualifiers will encourage interstate competitors to compete in the region.
“Out of town athletes will travel to experience the qualifying events and this gives them the chance to practice the course for the 2021 World Championships,” Mr McKay said.
This year’s qualifying events will include the Mater Classic Distance Triathlon, the GNM Duathlon, and the RMS Cross-Triathlon.
Registrations are now open, and all event details can be found at www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au