NEWS #TRIATHLON #CROSS #ITU

As the very best of  the world’s off road athletes prepare to #GetDirtyDownUnder at the ITU Cross Triathlon World
Championships, the Snowy Mountains are putting final preparations in place to shine on the world stage, with locals preparing to be a part of the international explosion of culture, colour and world class sporting action that will engulf the region from 18th to 20th November 2016.

The World ITU Cross Triathlon Championships are coming to the Snowies and there’s an opportunity for everyone in the region to be a part of it.  It’s a chance to be inspired while watching the world’s best race on home soil.  Friday 18th November hosts the amateur women’s world champion race, followed by the amateur men on Saturday morning.  Saturday afternoon will see the big guns battle it out when the Elite Men and Women tackle the course, hoping to be crowned champion of the world!

Our very own Australian National Champion Ben Allen and Olympians Erin Densham and Courtney Atkinson will be leading the Aussie charge for gold, alongside reigning world champion Spaniard Ruben Ruzafa.
On Sunday, in a world first for the Snowy Mountains, the event will host for the first time in history, a World Championships Mixed Team Relay.  This is a fast, furious and exciting event for spectators where national 4-person teams including two men and two women complete a mini triathlon relay.  The atmosphere will be electric with a huge helping of national pride on the line as our Aussie champions take on the world.  The junior (under 19) and Para-triathletes world champs will also be an amazing spectacle on Sunday after the Team Relay finishes.

For spectators, this is a once in a life time opportunity to take in the electric atmosphere of an international event with world class athletes racing at their very best.  Master of Ceremonies Adam Thomson, lead singer of Aussie 90s band ‘Chocolate Starfish’ will have the crowd pumping along with Triple M Melbourne’s sports reporter Lachie Wills.  Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa will also be turning on the fun with entertainment and kid’s activities as well as a sports expo and regional stalls showcasing the very best of the Snowy Mountains, along with the chance to soak up some good old Aussie tucker in the ‘Eat Street’ precinct.

In Jindabyne the spectacle of the Parade of Nations and the Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening 17th November in Claypits Park will be another great opportunity to be a part of this international cultural festival.  It will include all the colour and pageantry of the athletes parade with entertainment, including our very own Snowy Horsemen and the launch of the Event Anthem ‘Everybody’s Human Race’ written and performed by Adam Thomson.  The local schools Jindabyne Central and Snowy Mountains Grammar will also be joining the party and will play a big role in the Opening Ceremony and the week-long festival.

It’s going to be a true community event with an army of local volunteers, Our ‘TRUE BLUE CREW’ lining up to be a part of the action on the course, at the finish line, at the aid stations and throughout the event.

Plus, the best news of all, even amateur athletes, families and the kids can be a part of the world champs festival with a series of short course events hosted on Sunday afternoon including a Sprint, Teaser, Junior and Dirt Kids triathlon which is open to all comers to have the chance to race on a world champs course!  You don’t have to be fast, overly fit or experienced to come and have a go at these fun and friendly events.

So whether it’s as a spectator, cheer squad, volunteer or competitor, everyone can be a part of this world class event as this spectacular region is showcased to the world.

To find out more about how you can be involved visit the event website at: www.trextriathlon.com.au