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The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is pleased to announce that the ITU World Triathlon Series will return to the city of Leeds for a third successive year on 9 and 10 June 2018.
Leeds joins Bermuda, Abu Dhabi, Yokohama and the Grand Final on the Gold Coast as host locations confirmed for 2018 ITU World Triathlon Series.
Last month, in excess of 70,000 spectators cheered on the world’s best triathletes including local heroes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee who celebrated a second successive one-two finish in Millennium Square as the city received a true triathlon takeover.
Marisol Casado, ITU president and IOC member, said: “We are delighted to come back to Leeds, home of the Brownlee brothers, for the third year. It is always amazing to see the support of the people of Leeds to this event, the thousands of spectators cheering on the streets, and the city showcasing its best all over the world. And will be again superb to have the greatest triathletes in the world competing here, along with thousands of amateur triathletes.”
Alistair Brownlee, Olympic Champion and two-time winner of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds said: “The Leeds leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series has been the standout race in the Series for the past two seasons and to be able to look forward to a third year in a row and go for a hat-trick of wins is really exciting. It’s very special to be able to race in my home city and to win in front of so many fans, is incredible.”
For Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, “last month was a fantastic advertisement for the sport of triathlon and I hope the millions who watched have been inspired to get involved in our sport. To have confirmation of the 2018 event, shows the level of success of the Leeds leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series and the team can’t wait to deliver another outstanding triathlon experience for everyone next year.”
The elite races in Leeds were broadcast live on the BBC with over 2 million people tuning in to watch the Brownlee brothers deliver a dominant performance in their home city. In the women’s race, World Champion, Flora Duffy of Bermuda won the title, receiving a huge roar from the knowledgeable crowd as she crossed the finish line on the blue carpet.
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