Triathlon set for biggest ever entry

REDCAR’S Sprint Triathlon is set for its biggest event yet as more than 500 triathletes take to the North Sea on Sunday 30 July.

For the first time, this year’s event is one of three World Sprint Triathlon Championship qualifying events taking place across the country and the only one in the Northern region.

The qualifier status means some of Britain’s best triathletes will be coming to Redcar and Cleveland to book their place in September’s championships, which are being held in Rotterdam.

530 triathletes, in a number of age groups, are set to compete on the seafront, which is more than triple the number that took part in last year’s event.

With that increase in entries, spectators are being encouraged to come down and watch what should be a very competitive event.

A 750m sea swim, 20K bike ride and a 5K run will push triathletes to their limits and will surely provide fireworks for everyone lining the seafront cheering the competitors on

However, spectators are reminded that a number of roads in Redcar will be closed to allow the triathlon to take place. The closures will affect: Coast Road, Newcomen Terrace, Majuba Road, Coatham Road, The Esplanade and Granville Terrace. The roads will be shut from 7.00am to 2.00pm.

Cllr Dale Quigley, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Communications, said: “This year’s triathlon is bigger than ever before and is sure to prove spectacular for visitors to Redcar’s seafront.

“It is an honour to be selected as one of just a handful of Team GB qualifying events for the World Sprint Triathlon Championship, hopefully with enough support from the public this will be the first of many qualifying events held in Redcar.”

To find out more about the Triathlon, go to www.trihard.co.uk.