The ITU and British Triathlon Federation are pleased to announce that the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships will take place in the historic city from 3 to 5 September, 2010.
The duathlon event consists of a 10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run and is expected to attract hundreds of elite and age group competitors from around the world to the Scottish capital where they will compete around Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat and the Scottish Parliament.
Scotland boasts a strong tradition within duathlon, most notably through reigning ETU Duathlon European Champion Catriona Morrison from Broxburn. Morrison has five major titles to her name in the last four years including two ETU Duathlon European Championships (2007 and 2009), two ITU Long Distance Duathlon World Championships (2007 and 2008) and she was ITU Duathlon World Champion in 2006.
Dr Sarah Springman OBE, president British Triathlon Federation, Vice-President ITU, commented: "Hosting a World Championships, in duathlon, and in Scotland shows British Triathlon's commitment to the diversity that makes up the ITU portfolio of disciplines as well as to our own Home Nations. We seek to put on a world class event for world class athletes with the valuable help of our partners in the City of Edinburgh Council, Event Scotland, triathlonscotland and our in-house events team. We are delighted to welcome the world's elite and age group duathletes and challenge them to take on the exciting course around Arthur's Seat, while exhibiting their transition skills in front of two of Edinburgh's most iconic buildings, ancient and modern, the Queen's historic Palace at Holyrood House and the Scottish Parliament."
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: "Edinburgh has a reputation around the world as an outstanding destination for world class athletics events. From the best ever World Cross Country Championships last year to the annual Great Edinburgh Run, the city lends itself exceptionally well to hosting elite and mass participation sports events. The ITU Duathlon World Championships in 2010 will further strengthen Edinburgh's reputation in this area and will add yet another fantastic event to Scotland's 'world championship' portfolio."
President of triathlonscotland, Geoff Earl added: "triathlonscotland is thrilled to host this World Class event in Edinburgh, allowing the opportunity to showcase the beauty of our capital, the strength of our performers and provide an important platform for the development of the sport and its volunteer workforce in such an important period in British sport."
Marisol Casado, ITU President commented: "We are delighted to take the 21st edition of the ITU Duathlon World Championships to Edinburgh in 2010. Great Britain has a wonderful history in Duathlon, boasting great champions like Michelle Dillon, Paul Amey, Tim Don and of course Scotland's own Catriona Morrison. After successfully hosting the 2007 Duathlon European Championships, Edinburgh proved it was a worthy candidate to become the first British city to host the ITU Duathlon World Championships."
Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals & Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh, said: "Having hosted what were acclaimed in 2003 as the best-ever European Cross Country Championships, followed by a successful Duathlon European Championships in 2007 and the fantastic World Cross Country Championships in 2008, we are better placed than anywhere else to deliver this type of major sporting event.
"Welcoming the ITU Duathlon World Championships to the city centre in September 2010 will be a welcome boost to the economy and will put a display of top notch sport on show. I look forward to welcoming competitors, officials and spectators from all over the world."
