For the first time ever, Aquabike will be contested at the International Triathlon Union World Championship level.
A race that combines long distance swimming and biking, adding Aquabike to the festival lineup offers age group athletes the opportunity to earn another world title at one World Championship Aug. 18-27, 2017 in Penticton.
“The multi-sport world continues to grow at an incredible rate,” said ITU president and IOC Member Marisol Casado in a press release. “Offering multi-sport races like aquabike promotes the growth of triathlon worldwide, as it makes the sport accessible to everyone of all ages and abilities no matter where they are.”
“We are thrilled to be adding Aquabike World Championships to the docket at ITU Multi-sport World Championships. The addition of Aquabike means the Multi-sport World Championships is truly complete, with five World Championship events,” said race executive director Michael Brown.
Aquabike joins Duathlon, Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Long Distance Triathlon. The Aquabike race will see athletes swim three kilometres, followed by 120- km bike, mirroring the length of the long distance triathlon. The finish line will be right after the second transition, with athletes racking their bikes at a second transition, and then sprinting to cross the finish line.
The 10-day multi-sport championship is expected to see more than 7,000 age groupers race in the heart of the city, with the epicentre along the beachfront of Okanagan Lake and Okanagan Lake Park.
The spectator friendly courses will feature a variety of terrain and include some of the area’s many vistas, wineries and landmarks, as well as the downtown area.
All participants and visitors will enjoy a full week of triathlon action, as well as concerts, street dance, race expo, parade of nations, kids races and awards presentations.
For more information on ITU Multi-sport World Championship Festival, check www.penticton2017.com