Limerick’s successful bid to take the coveted European City of Sport 2011 title has attracted yet another major sporting event.
Limerick Triathlon Club (LTC) with the support of Shannon Development, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Limerick City Council, University of Limerick Arena and Triathlon Ireland is proud to announce that Europe's top duathletes and triathletes will converge on Limerick City on 16-17 April 2011 to contest the European Duathlon Championships
Speaking at the announcement of the 2011 event John Deegan, Chairman of Limerick Triathlon Club said: “It is a great honour for Limerick and Triathlon Ireland to be awarded the staging of the European Duathlon Championships. It is a major boost for the sport and is a testament to Ireland's ability to host international events, with this year's European Championships in Athlone being a resounding success.”
“The club has a strong tradition of hosting some of the best races in the country. I am also delighted to announce that St. Gabriels School & Centre in Dooradoyle is the chosen charity for this event”, he added.
The Championships are expected to attract approximately 600 overseas visitors, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Between 70 and 100 elite competitors are expected to participate in the main race event with a further 1000 competitors taking part in a separate open race.
According to Triathlon Ireland CEO Matt McKerrow: “It is both an exciting development and another forward step for the continued development of the sport. Triathlon continues to expand with membership growing from 800 in 2006 to 5566 in 2010. The hosting of events such as this is vitally important to the continued development of the sport in Ireland.”
Shannon Development’s CEO Vincent Cunnane stated: “The Shannon Region and indeed Limerick city is very fortunate to be the host of such a prestigous event during the our year as European City of Sport 2011. Sports tourism is a major ecomonic contributor to the City and the Region and is worth approx €60million to our local ecomony annually. This event alone will generate a spend of over €1millon. The work of the Limerick Triathlon Club in securing this event emphasises the importance of local sports ambassdors and is a testament to the sucess of the sports ambassdors programme we jointly launched with the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau less than 12 months ago.”
The event will feature two categories, namely the Championship and Open race designations. In the most challenging Championship category, athletes will complete a 10-km run before pedalling a 40-km bike around Limerick City, finishing with a 5-km run. The Open race, which is open to relay teams, will encompass a less challenging course with shorter time durations.
Speaking at the announcement, Limerick Triathlon Club PRO Maeve Kavanagh explained: “We are encouraging the people of Limerick to set themselves a sporting/fitness goal for 2011 and to train for the open event. The hosting of these Championships in Limerick presents an ideal opportunity to try out something new, to get fit and to be a part of this European sporting event. The club is currently taking new memberships and we would welcome all newcomers to take part in our weekly training session.
She continued: “The first of the clubs Duathlon series takes place on Sunday 5th December at St. Enda’s Sport Complex. This is also a qualifying race for the championships, however, the event is open to all who wish to take part. Come and see what a Duathlon is all about!
Laura Ryan, Limerick Coordination Office stated: “As a city with a proud sporting heritage, we are delighted that Limerick has been chosen to stage the European Duathlon Championships. There are so many sporting events happening in Limerick during 2011 that people will have no excuse not to join in! I’m sure that the people will line the streets to cheer the elite athletes competing in the Duathlon Championships and many will look forward to taking part in the open race themselves.”
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne said she’s looking forward to welcoming participating Duathletes to Limerick.
“I am sure that all the duathletes who travel to Limerick will have a wonderful time in Ireland’s favourite sporting city and enjoy themselves immensely during their stay here. Limerick is very proud to be hosting so many prestigious sporting events as EU City of Sport in 2011. May I wish all the duathletes the best of luck during their training and preparations and I can guarantee a tremendous Limerick sporting welcome when they arrive in April”, Mayor Byrne commented.
For more on the 2011 European Duathlon Championships, including training schedules and registration, visit www.limericktriathlon.com.
