(ATR) The International Triathlon Union today announced the dates for its Rio 2016 Olympic test events.
The 2015 Rio de Janeiro ITU World Olympic Qualification Event and World Paratriathlon Event on August 1-2 will serve as a test of the Olympic city's triathlon facilities.
"With the hunt for Olympic and Paralympic qualification points heating up in 2015, ITU is very much looking forward to again showcasing the sport of triathlon and also debuting paratriathlon on the most prestigious international stage for sport that exists," said ITU president Marisol Casado.
"Copacabana Beach will be a beautiful backdrop for what we expect to be some phenomenal racing," the Spanish IOC member added.
The triathlon courses are scheduled to traverse along the Copacabana Beach on Avenida Atlantica, with the Olympic route also climbing through the streets of local neighborhoods. The ITU expects huge crowds to gather at the iconic Rio location just as they did at the 2007 Rio Pan American Games.
The 2015 Olympic qualifier will feature a start list of 75 men and women, with athletes obtaining slots for the race in the same manner as an ITU World Cup race. It will offer the maximum level of Olympic qualification points available, putting it on par with the World Triathlon Series Grand Final.
The 2015 paratriathlon event will also mimic the Paralympic Games course, with a minimum of 60 athletes set to participate. Qualification criteria for the test event will match that of a World Paratriathlon Event and points earned at the race will go towards both Paralympic Qualification and ITU World Paratriathon Rankings.
The ITU has yet to finalize the program for the weekend of racing, which will be announced in the coming months.
Reported by Mark Bisson
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