Top British and international triathlon stars prepare to go head-to-head in a brand-new sporting event this weekend, the Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup 2017 Nottingham.
68 elite triathletes, including five Olympians, line up on Nottingham's Victoria Embankment on Saturday 2 September, all seeking to be the very first to lift the Cup.
This event will be like no other. Athletes will be competing in teams of four, two men and two women, each completing a mini triathlon before tagging their teammate to do the same. Mixed relay is fast and furious, with no margin for error.
With 17 quartets in the running for the event’s inaugural title, the Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup 2017 Nottingham is set to be a nail biting battle, broadcast live on BBC One. Reigning ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Champions Australia are in the mix, alongside 3 further international sides. From a British perspective, 13 squads have been formed around the existing UK Sport Lottery Funded World-Class British Triathlon Performance Centre structure, with representation also from London and Nottingham by British Triathlon coached training groups.
Elite action gets underway at 2:30pm. There’s plenty for spectators to take in during the morning, with the City of Nottingham Triathlon mass participation event seeing hundreds of beginner triathletes start their own campaigns for glory from 9am. After a pool swim at the Portland Centre, participants will take the opportunity to compete on bike and foot along the same course that the stars of the sport will take on later in the day.
The Spectator Village within Meadows Recreation Ground, adjacent to the site, is jam-packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy. From the Parklives Sports Zone, where youngsters can try their hand at a number of sports, to the event expo with endless stalls to browse. Or if you’re looking to relax, a variety of food and drink options are available before settling down in front of the big screen, ready to enjoy the action.
The grandstand is now sold out, but there’s still plenty of spots along Victoria Embankment to capture the excitement for free. With 15,000 spectators expected to line the embankment, the atmosphere will be electric.
Non Stanford, Team Leeds II athlete, said; “I can’t wait to get on that start line in Nottingham. The Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup Nottingham will be a real showcase event for the sport and will give spectators an entirely new triathlon experience.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what support the city can give us!”
Emma McGuigan, Group Technology Officer for Accenture’s Communications, Media & Technology operating group, said, “We’re delighted to welcome the city of Nottingham to the inaugural Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup, where we are thrilled to announce our partnership with British Triathlon.
“With innovation at the heart of Accenture, we look forward to playing a key role within triathlon’s new and exciting race format and helping bring a fast-growing sport to new audiences. To everyone competing today, we wish you the best of luck!”
Jack Buckner, British Triathlon CEO, said, “After months of exciting build-up, we’re thrilled that the Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup 2017 Nottingham is finally here. We have a line-up featuring the world’s top performers, alongside the very best up and coming talent and can’t wait to see the action kick off tomorrow on Victoria Embankment.”
Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said, “How very exciting that we are hosting the first Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup in Nottingham, particularly on a course that involves swimming in the iconic River Trent.
“With a sold-out grandstand, it shows how the people of Nottingham love a good sporting event. I encourage even more to come down to Victoria Embankment to watch the race – there are lots of places to watch the action for free all along the course.
It is wonderful to have all eyes on our city and I really hope people take their chance to come out on Saturday and enjoy it. It’s not every day that you see Olympians running on Victoria Embankment.”
To view the Accenture British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup Nottingham spectator guide, please visit here.
