The Wiggle Portsmouth Triathlon supported by Triathlon England was officially set in motion with speeches from key figures within the city including the Lord Mayor Councillor Frank Jonas, Councillor Lee Hunt, and representatives from sponsors Wiggle, and Triathlon England. 

 

Swimmers, cyclists, runners and triathletes alike are invited to take part in Portsmouth's very own triathlon this summer, The Wiggle Portsmouth Triathlon will offer tri-sports enthusiasts and budding beginners the chance to test their skills and sign up for this triple challenge on Sunday 22 September.

 

Gareth Hall, National Development Manager for events for Triathlon England said: 

 

“Portsmouth is the first event we are supporting through our major events initiative, a full 12 months ahead of schedule. With a target of 4000 athletes for 2014, the event would become one of the largest triathlon events in the UK,. This is a significant achievement for the event, and we see Portsmouth as the model for future mass participation triathlon events supported by Triathlon England. “

 

Wiggle's Sponsorship Manager Andrew Whillas said: 

 

"Wiggle sponsors over 100 world-wide mass-participation events and are thrilled to be involved here. The first event will be for 1,500 competitors, but we want to grow that further to 4,000 competitors over a weekend into a truly world-class triathlon event." 

 

Lauren Steadman, a member of the UK sport Lottery Funded World-Class Paratriathlon Squad said: 

 

"Portsmouth has such wonderful facilities for triathlon and training - with the Mountbatten Centre's athletics track, velodrome and 50m swimming pool. I know triathletes will come here as it will be a fast race. I will do everything I can to help." 

 

Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism said: 

 

"This is a dynamic city with a growing sports reputation and we want Portsmouth to be the focus for triathlon along the south-coast of England. Working with many sports partners the council is ensuring a lasting Olympic legacy for Portsmouth and establishing our city as an important venue in the UK's triathlon calendar." 

 

"We want to build these events in the same way we have established the Great South Run as a world-class event, seeing Portsmouth's growing sporting reputation enhanced more and more." 

 

The Wiggle Portsmouth Triathlon in September will race through iconic locations at an Olympic distance, including a 1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. There will also be a sprint distance event incorporating a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run. 

 

Portsmouth City Council is working in partnership with Wiggle, a Portsmouth based international online retailer of triathlon goods, to organise the event which is supported by Triathlon England. 

 

Triathlon England was recently awarded £7.5m funding from Sports England, for its grassroots development. Part of this is to develop a series of large-scale triathlon events with exceptional athlete experience in iconic locations. These will be concentrated in areas that don't currently have high quality, mass participation triathlon events. 

 

In addition to the Wiggle Portsmouth Triathlon, the council will be staging a 'sprint triathlon', featuring shorter distances on 16 June. This event could be a great training opportunity for the Olympic distance event later in the year, or as an introduction to the sport for beginners. 

 

For more information and to enter the Wiggle Portsmouth Triathlon this September, visit http://www.wiggle.co.uk/portsmouth-triathlon/