Routes unveiled for the 2018 edition of the ITU World Triathlon Leeds

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The countdown to the ITU World Triathlon Leeds on 9 and 10 June 2018 has begun with details of this year’s routes for the elite and amateur events being released today.

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 confirmed the routes to be followed by thousands of amateur triathletes and the official route for the ITU World Triathlon Series where local heroes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee take on the rest of the world on the streets of Leeds on Sunday 10 June.

More than 2,500 entries have already been sold in the amateur events and the 2018 routes are once again designed to maximise the racing and overall event experience for everyone taking part. Early bird entry pricing ends on 31 January 2018, and organisers are encouraging triathletes to get their entry in quickly before the price rise via leeds.triathlon.org/newyear

Amateur triathletes will complete a swim (750m/1,500m) in Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park before completing a bike route (18.6km/36km) that takes participants towards Headingley before returning to Roundhay Park where they will rack their bikes in a single transition hub.  The final leg will see participants embark on a (7.5km/10km) run towards the city centre where they will experience the huge crowds on the Headrow before finishing in front of a packed grandstand on the blue carpet. 

The elite triathletes, including last year’s winner and Olympic Champion Alistair Brownlee, will start with a 1500-metre swim in Roundhay Park’s Waterloo Lake. They will then make the transition to a 40km bike through Roundhay and towards the city-centre via Moortown, Meanwood, Headingley and Burley before completing 7 laps of a city-centre loop.

They will then transition on Millennium Square before covering 10km in 4 shorter laps of the city-centre loop, passing through Millennium Square on each lap, culminating in the thrilling finale of the event to be played out on the blue carpet finish in the square.

Jonathan Brownlee, Olympic silver medallist said:

“This route is tried and tested and will be perfect for the thousands of spectators we expect to see out on the route. The multi-lap course goes into the heart of the city centre making it really technical but also really spectator friendly with plenty of opportunities to watch the racing. Racing at home is really special for both myself and Alistair and having so many people come out and watch, makes us so proud of the city and to have the ITU World Triathlon Series here in Leeds.”

Chief Executive Officer at British Triathlon Andy Salmon said:

“The ITU World Triathlon Leeds 2018 is all set to be one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar providing the world’s best and thousands of amateur triathletes the chance to race through the streets of Leeds. Once again, in 2018, we will deliver a world-class triathlon experience for all.”

Event Director of the ITU World Triathlon Leeds, Wayne Coyle said:

“In just under six months, the world’s best will be racing through the streets of Leeds and everyone working on the event can’t wait to get the action underway. Today’s announcement of the routes show the success of 2017’s event and with no change in the courses for elite or amateur athletes we expect another outstanding event for everyone to take part in.” 

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:

“I am delighted to welcome the ITU Triathlon World Series back to Leeds for what will be a third year in a row. We can’t wait for the weekend to begin this June and have the chance to showcase to the world why Leeds is one of the best cities for sport. 

“Today’s announcement of the route demonstrates how successful last year’s event was, and athletes’ competing in the different ITU World Triathlon Leeds 2018 events can once again be assured of a very competitive and testing course.”

Head of Major Events at UK Sport, Esther Britten said:

“Research has shown that competing on home soil gives athletes a real boost and enhances performance. For the third year running, we look forward to seeing the streets of Leeds lined with spectators supporting established British triathlon stars and the next generation of talent.”

Please visit leeds.triathlon.org/local for latest information and an interactive map that will allow you to see the route in detail and help you to plan any journeys you need to make during the event.

Download an animation of each route here:

For the latest information on the ITU World Triathlon Leeds visit leeds.triathlon.org

The ITU World Triathlon Leeds 2018 is supported by National Lottery funding and is organised by British Triathlon, in partnership with Leeds City Council, UK Sport and the ITU.

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