World Triathlon Sprint & Relay Championships in Bermuda 2021
IslandStats.com
Bermuda will host the 2021 World Triathlon Sprint & Relay Championships next October 15th – 17th, the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) announced.
The three-day, multiple-championships programme, to be staged in the City of Hamilton, will include a brand new event—Supersprint racing for the Elite World Championships—along with the Junior (Under 18) World Championships, Age-Group Sprint World Championships, Mixed Relay World Championships for all categories, as well as an Open division for non-qualifiers.
“We are excited to be able to announce these World Championships, which will help put a spotlight on our destination, highlight our sports capabilities, and significantly contribute to the Bermuda economy,” said Hazel Clark, BTA Director of Sports Business Development.
The announcement follows a decision by the sport’s global governing body, World Triathlon, to split its traditional Grand Final programme for 2021, with Bermuda hosting the first Sprint & Relay World Championships—the mixed relay format having been added to next year’s Olympic Games programme. Edmonton, Canada and Milan, Italy will host other aspects of the revised format next year.
“As World Triathlon, the sport’s global governing body, innovates the competition schedule, our team has secured the parts of the event best-suited for the island logistically,” said BTA Interim CEO Glenn Jones. “Splitting the event with other destinations has made the World Championships right-sized for Bermuda.
“Additionally, the new Supersprint racing means shorter distances for elites in a more spectator-friendly setting, delivering the exciting atmosphere we have all come to appreciate in and around the City of Hamilton. And non-elite racers who fell in love with Bermuda in 2018 and 2019 can be invited back—in what could be their first travel race since the onset of the pandemic.”
Highlights of the 2021 Bermuda programme will include a post-Olympic race by hometown hero Flora Duffy, who won the 2018 series event in Bermuda; likely participation by Bermudian juniors Tyler Smith and Erica Hawley; an Open Race for athletes with no qualifier needed; and an exciting push for the podium by a Bermuda national mixed relay team. The full programme comprises:
• Elite World Championship Series event on Supersprint (qualifiers, semi-finals, finals) • Junior (U18) World Championships on Sprint distance • Age-Group World Championships on Sprint distance • Elite Mixed Relay World Championships • Junior (U18) Mixed Relay World Championships • Age-Group Mixed Relay World Championships • Open Race (registrants in cancelled 2020 event to receive priority)
In addition to support provided by the Bermuda Government to host the 2021 Championships, Bermuda’s private sector is coming forward to get involved and companies are confirming as sponsors. Further sponsorship opportunities are available.
“The World Triathlon events of 2018 and ’19 have given the sport of triathlon in Bermuda a tremendous boost,” said Sharon Hammond, President, Bermuda Triathlon Association. “Awareness of triathlon is now higher than ever before, and our junior numbers have increased rapidly over the last three years. This year’s summer camp was the largest and most successful we have ever hosted. And children are coming to us from all parts of our community. The 2021 programme continues that momentum. There will be something for everyone to get involved in, and we know those watching around the world will see Bermuda at its very best.”
