Following an action-packed battle for qualification in Bali last month, and with the impending second Qualifier in Poznan, Poland on 28-30 June, the scene has been set for Canada’s capital city of Ottawa to host the third and final pre-series event on 3-4 August. It will be the last opportunity for the Pros to fight for the final Golden Tickets to the main series later in the year.
Taking place at Lansdowne Park over Canada’s August Long Weekend, Ottawa’s historic Rideau Canal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – will be the focal point for the swim leg of the Pro, Age Group and Youth races, with SLT athletes having the privilege of being the very first to race in the iconic waterway.
“Ottawa Tourism is thrilled to welcome Super League Triathlon to Canada’s capital this summer as part of our ‘Bid More, Win More, Host More’ strategy. This distinguished sporting event brings some of the top world-class athletes to our city, showcases the best of our destination to the event’s international audience, and will result in significant economic impact for our community,” said Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism.
2018 Canadian Triathlete of the Year and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Joanna Brown witnessed the intensity and excitement of SLT racing last season. The Ottawa-born athlete said, “Ottawa will be a great host for the final Super League Qualifier. Even though it might be the seventh coldest capital city in the world, things really heat up in the summer and you’ll find tons of people meandering along the many bike paths or the 7.8km Rideau Canal. There are many reasons why Queen Victoria herself picked Ottawa to be the capital of Canada... I really hope that the participants of Super League feel the incredible vibe of the city and that the lucky few find some extra magic for those Golden Tickets.”
A ticket to the big league
The Qualifier events are the best opportunities for up-and-coming athletes to have their shot on the world stage, against the giants of the sport. Canada’s Tyler Mislawchuk knows only too well how valuable these events can be for professional career growth. He earned his Golden Ticket in last year’s Poznan qualification event, which saw him go on to compete against the likes of World Champion Mario Mola and double-Olympic medallist Jonny Brownlee.
An unassuming contender, Mislawchuk’s determination saw him podium in SLT Malta and Singapore, and he finished third overall in the final series weekend. Thanks to his impressive season performance, the Canadian finished fourth in the overall Championship Series, earning him automatic qualification into this year’s main series event and a chance to fight for the US$1.5m prize purse.
Tyler Mislawchuk said,“I was stoked to receive that Golden Ticket last year in the Poznan Qualifier. Lining up on the pontoon for the first Championship Series event in Jersey was insane; I was so nervous but the crowd was buzzing – it was unlike anything I’d done before. I think I really found my feet when I got to Malta and winning that second stage gave me so much confidence. It was just awesome to come away from the finale in Singapore with a podium finish for the weekend and ranking fourth overall for the season. Bring on next season!”
A treat for Age Groupers: The Age Group (AG) races are set to be as spectacular and memorable as the Pro events; beyond swimming in one of the oldest and most famous canals in North America, the picturesque 40-acre urban park will serve as the backdrop to the course. As with all SLT AG events, the amateurs will be able to choose between the Sprint or the Enduro formats, and they can take part as an individual, team or relay. Between 1-15 April, there will be a 20% Early Bird Discount off AG entries.
Super League Ottawa isn’t just for the triathletes. Those not wanting to bike or swim can join in the action in the 10k, 5k and 2.5k Fun Runs on the Saturday.
SLT co-founder and two-time Ironman World Champion Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack said, “Witnessing the hype Super League has created around the world has been incredible, and getting Age Groupers to participate on the same global stage as the pros is a huge part of the SLT mission. Age Group racing is very much a part of SLT’s DNA so we want to continue to make the series as inclusive and attractive as possible to both amateur and professional racers alike.”
Registration: AG registration is simple. Budding amateurs wanting to take part in either the AG races or the Family Fun Runs in Ottawa can enter here. Those who register before 15 April will receive a 20% Early Bird Discount.
The Poznan Qualifier will be the next chance for professional athletes to fight for more Golden Tickets to the main SLT Championship Series. As always, you can catch up all the latest Super League Triathlon action on superleaguetriathlon.com and via the SLT Facebook channel.
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