Australia wins bid to host 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships

Adventure event specialist In 2 Adventure secures ITU Cross Tri Worlds for Snowy Mountains in 2016…

SYDNEY – Just three months after Australian Olympians Courtney Atkinson and Erin Densham took out the winner’s share of the $40,000 Oceania Triathlon Union (OTU) Cross Triathlon Championships in the Snowy Mountains, the International Triathlon Union (ITU) has granted New South Wales the 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships to be hosted at the same location, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa in November 2016.

Lake Crackenback ResortThis historic announcement marks the first time that the event has been hosted in the Southern Hemisphere, and the 10-year anniversary of In2Adventure managing ‘off road’ and ‘adventure’ events in Australia.

Member for Monaro John Barilaro said, “This announcement reinforces the Snowy Mountains’ growing reputation as a world-class destination for off-road endurance sport events.”

“Event organisers In2Adventure and the local industry have proven their ability to host successful off-road endurance events, and we are now well placed to take advantage of the growing popularity of endurance sports.”

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa General Manager Anthony Cleary said the international athletes will receive a true taste of Australian culture when they compete in the Snowy Mountains.

The cross-country terrain around Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa has a reputation as being among the most challenging in the world,” Cleary told event organisers In2Adventure. “We are confident that the athletes will be impressed with not only the competitive landscape but also the beauty of the region and the quality of the facilities at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa.  

We will be rolling out the red carpet for the athletes across all areas of the business, especially food and beverage, spa and wellbeing as well as recreational activities.”

Tourism Snowy Mountains executive officer Neil Thew agrees. “The Snowy Mountains of NSW is excited to be announced as the host region for the 2016 World Cross Triathlon Championships to be held at the beautiful Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa,” said Thew.

What an incredible venue and amazing back-drop for the competing international and Australian athletes. Tourism Snowy Mountains will be extending a very warm welcome to all, and we look forward to showcasing the spectacular Snowy Mountains region as the premier adventure sports capital to a world-wide audience.”

Now in its fifth year, the 2015 world championships will be held in Sardinia, Italy in September. Previous locations include Spain, USA, Holland and Germany. South African Conrad Stoltz (2011-13) dominated the first three years before Spaniard Ruben Ruzafa succeeded him in 2014. For the women, Germany’s Katrin Muller returns as reigning champion, following in the footsteps of the Czech Republic’s Helena Ervenova (2013), Briton Lesley Paterson (2012) and Canadian Melanie McQuaid (2011).

Four years ago we visited Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa in the Snowy Mountains and within minutes we knew that this was a place that would hold a special place in our hearts, and would soon take a special place in the hearts of our TreX competitors,” said In2Adventure Event Director Robyn Lazenby.

Erin Densham MTBThe seed was sown and now four years later a dream has turned into reality and we are so proud that one of Australia’s best adventure destinations, the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales has been selected by the ITU as the home of the 2016 Cross Triathlon World Championships.  It is so exciting that we will soon be welcoming the world’s best to share our love of this historic and iconic region.

Starting at an altitude of 1200m above sea level, the course will present a unique challenge to competitors with the stream fed, fresh alpine waters of Lake Crackenback, the fast flowing single track of the mountain bike course and a challenging trail run with Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko as the backdrop.

“The rugged mountain terrain, the history of the mountain men, the challenging altitude and the welcoming spirit of the locals all combine to make this the perfect location for a world championships,” said In2Adventure Race Director Simon Lazenby.

We look forward to welcoming the many competitors and friends and family from all nations who will be joining us in Australia’s Premier Adventure Playground in 2016.

Triathlon Australia CEO Anne Gripper was delighted with the news from the ITU that the 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships were coming to Australia.

Cross Triathlon is an exciting new element to our sport which is becoming increasingly popular here in Australia”, said Gripper.  “It will be fantastic for our Australian cross triathletes to compete alongside the worlds’ best cross triathletes on home soil.

Our event delivery partner, In2adventure have been at the forefront of staging high quality cross triathlon events in Australia, and we have no doubt that they will deliver a terrific event for us.”

Visit the Event Website: 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships

About TreX:

For seven years TreX has positioned itself as the pinnacle of the cross – or off-road – triathlon racing series in Australia. Presented by the premier outdoor adventure event specialists In2Adventure, TreX consists of a swim, mountain bike and trail run. While each TreX event features an elite category with industry-leading prize purses, including $10,000 for the Australian Cross Triathlon Championships and $40,000 for the Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships, the TreX Cross Triathlon national series invites participation from all ages and skill levels. For more information visit TreX here.

About In2Adventure:

In2Adventure are Asia-Pacific’s premier adventure event specialists. With a full calendar of national events scheduled throughout Australia, including adventure races, cross triathlon, XC Mountain Bike, trail runs and corporate events, In2Adventure fully embraces all things ‘off road’ and ‘off the beaten track’ and offers a unique, individual experience for all ages and skill levels. For more information visit In2Adventure here.

Upcoming Events (2015/16):

–       TreX Victorian X-Tri Champs – Bendigo, VIC, 28/29 November 2015

–       Snowies MTB Festival – Snowy Mountains, NSW, 13/14 February, 2016

–       TreX Australian X-Tri Championships – Snowy Mountains, NSW, 27/28 February, 2016

–       TreX Queensland X-Tri Champs – Sunshine Coast, QLD, 16/17 April 2016

–       ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships – Snowy Mountains, NSW, 19/20 November 2016

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Photo Credit: In 2 Adventure

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