The Leeds Triathlon Centre has today (Tuesday 2 October) become a formal partnership; providing a sustainable infrastructure to support the continuing development of triathlon within Leeds.

British Triathlon, Leeds City Council, University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University joined forces at the Brownlee Centre, Leeds to celebrate the occasion and sign the Official Agreement, bringing together the partnership’s key individuals at the city’s heart of the sport.

The day saw more than 40 triathlon beginners put through their paces via the vehicle of GO TRI; the British Triathlon product designed to help complete novices take their first steps in the sport. GO TRI has been fully embraced by the city since it was introduced in 2011 and it is hoped that the support of the Leeds Triathlon Centre will mean that the Brownlee Centre can become a more regular home for the GO TRI community to learn the basics of swim, bike, run

Above: Gordon Benson joins GO TRI Participants at Leeds Triathlon Centre Partnership Launch

Bill James, Chair of Leeds Triathlon Centre, said: “On behalf of the Leeds Triathlon Centre, we’re thrilled to announce the formalised partnership, with a vision of creating a world leading triathlon environment that inspires and develops people who realise their potential.

“The City of Leeds truly has the sport of triathlon at its heart and we look forward to building on the Centre’s successful foundations and working together towards a bright future for the sport; engaging the community and nurturing future talent.”

The partnership will build on Leeds Triathlon Centre’s already evident ability to support some of the country’s finest triathlon talent to success. The Centre has provided a training setup for some of Britain’s top performers, including 2016 Rio Olympic gold and silver medallists, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, whilst fostering the next generation of talent throughout. ITU Triathlon U23 World silver medallist, Sam Dickinson is one of the athletes who has benefited from the Leeds Triathlon Centre since its establishment in October 2004.

Sam Dickinson, ITU Triathlon U23 World silver medallist, said: “The Leeds Triathlon Centre has been pivotal to my development as an athlete, by supporting me to reach my potential and providing an environment for me to achieve success.

“It’s great to see that the Leeds community are so engaged with the sport and inspired to take part, no matter what level they may be at. GO TRI removes the barriers to participation and allows more people to enjoy what is a fantastic sport for all.”

Attendees were also treated to a digital display of a photography project led by photojournalist Jude Palmer, who spent a year behind the scenes of the Leeds Triathlon Centre during the 2017 season.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The reception from both athletes and spectators to the ITU World Triathlon Leeds over the past three years has been absolutely sensational and helped reinforce our reputation as a true city for sport across the globe.

“We are therefore very excited by this new formalised partnership, which will support the Leeds Triathlon Centre’s reputation as somewhere where the sport’s greatest athletes can train and as a premier facility to nurture new talent.”

University of Leeds commented: “We are delighted that the Leeds Triathlon Centre will now be recognised as a formal entity. The University of Leeds is proud of its association with triathlon and the Leeds Triathlon Centre and, in particular, our own students who have managed to balance studying for a world-class degree whilst training and competing on a global stage. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our fellow Leeds Triathlon Centre partners to drive the sport forwards in Leeds”.

Leeds Triathlon Centre is a partnership between British Triathlon, Leeds Beckett University, University of Leeds and Leeds City Council. The centre, now based within the new bespoke Brownlee Centre facility, caters for over 60 athletes from University Teams all the way through to Olympic Medallists. 

To find out more about the Leeds Triathlon Centre, visit www.leedstriathloncentre.co.uk

Above: GO TRI participants are joined by elites Mark Buckingham, Gordon Benson, Sam Dickinson and Lucy Hall at Leeds Triathlon Centre Partnership Launch