Tuesday 25 February 2014
With entries now open for the IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney, Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney Stuart Ayres has encouraged people to register their spot at the start line of the inaugural race.
Mr Ayres met with event pro-athlete ambassadors Andrea Forrest and Sam Appleton along with a group of triathletes at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith this morning, the site that will play host to the international event on Sunday, 30th November 2014.
“Western Sydney is well prepared to host this significant addition to the Australian triathlon calendar, which was secured by the NSW Government through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
“The IRONMAN course boasts smooth road surfaces and has the stunning Blue Mountains as a backdrop. Participants will swim in the purpose-built Penrith Lakes, and then complete a two lap run that encircles the International Regatta Centre, providing great exposure for our region’s world-class facilities.
“Destination NSW estimates that the IRONMAN 70.3, which will be held annually in Western Sydney from 2014 to 2016, will generate more than $2.5 million total visitor spend from overseas, interstate and intrastate visitors who come to Western Sydney specifically to attend the event,” he said.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said the IRONMAN 70.3 series is the fastest growing triathlon series in the world, and one of a series of middle-distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).
“International sporting events such as the IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney are important in helping the NSW Government achieve its goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to the State by 2020, and will further cement NSW’s position as the home of the best sporting events in Australia,” Mr Souris said.
Entries to the IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney opened online from 12pm (AEDT) today for Triathlon Australia Members, and will open on Thursday, 27th February for general, international and team entries.
IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney will award 35 age group qualifying spots for the 2015 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, and a professional prize purse of $25,000.
