ITU, or International Triathlon Union, is the governing body of the draft-legal, Olympic distance, World cup triathlons. I know, it can get somewhat complicated since it is in direct competition with WTC, or World Triathlon Corporation, which is responsible for the Ironman races.
ITU is hosting world championships for amateurs as well as professionals in 2 distances: Olympic and Long Course. It is in a different country every year and I do not believe the Long Course was ever held in the USA. I was fortunate enough to be part of the amateur squad of Team USA in 2008, for the World Championships, Olympic distance held in Vancouver. The day was plagued with terrible weather: cold and rainy. In fact, the water was so choppy, that a triathlon got quickly switch into a duathlon, but of course, only after I got into the water in my respective wave. I precisely remember, after my face got completely numb from the cold water, that it was no longer a race, but rather a race for survival! It made me chuckle a little. Hey: better laugh than cry!!!
The events are well run and are such unique triathlons to be part of. Everybody walks around with their country’s uniform. No one is allowed sponsors, so everybody wears the same uniform with their country’s color. There is usually a “Parade of the countries”, and the amateur race is followed usually by the professionals, draft-legal race, criterium-style. Truly an event worth being part of.
Well, Henderson, NV will host this years’ ITU Long Course World Championships in November (not to be confused with the new venue for the WTC 70.3 World Championships in September…do you see a theme here?) . It consists of 4km swim, 120km bike, then 30km run. Fun distance! Henderson, located only 15 miles East of Las Vegas, is one of my favorite place in the country to train: beautiful venue, mountains, and dry desert heat. Oh and the Strip is nearby too!
In order to be part of Team USA, you must be qualifiy at specific races, which are usually Nationals championships. There is an exception this year: we can qualify at Pigman, IA half-ironman in August. Top 5 in every age-group will be offered a spot on Team USA!!!
Just thought I’d share the info. For whatever reason, a lot of people in the area are not aware of it and it could be a fun goal to be part of Team USA, especially since the event is so close by!
See in Nevada in November!!! (ok…got to qualify first!!!)
One Response to ITU Long Distance World Championships in USA!!