Triathlon Fantasy Game TRIFECTA Returns for ITU World Triathlon Series

TRIFECTA, the only triathlon fantasy game to allow multisport fans to predict elite men's and women's podium finishers at each ITU World Triathlon Series event, returns with new features and prizes.

Launched in 2014 by USA Triathlon in conjunction with ITU, TRIFECTA is an opportunity for triathletes, fans and multisport enthusiasts worldwide to feel connected to the 10-race ITU World Triathlon Series. More than 1,750 players from 85 countries participated in 2014, and interviews with the top-three finishers in the game are available at usatriathlon.org.

Players can create an account now at trifecta.usatriathlon.org to select podium picks for this weekend's ITU World Triathlon Series opener in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In addition to podium finishers, a new enhancement to the game in 2015 allows players to select an alternate should one of the three selected athletes not start the race.

TRIFECTA players can follow the events live on triathlonlive.tv, and points will be awarded for correctly predicting podium finishers. Players who select all three podium finishers in the correct order will receive a 20-point TRIFECTA bonus. Individual player results will be made available following each race, and players can see how they stack up against others on the Global Leaderboard. The standings will accumulate throughout the season, with an overall winner being crowned following the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final Chicago on Sept. 15-20.

Prizes will be awarded in 2015 to the winner with the most points in each of the individual series races, as well as the three players who top the Global Leaderboard at the conclusion of the season.

The ITU World Triathlon Series kicks off with the elite women scheduled to start at 3 p.m. local time on March 7 in Abu Dhabi, and the men set to start at 5 p.m. local time. With the time difference, the events will start at 6 a.m. ET and 8 a.m. ET on March 7, respectively, and will be broadcast live on triathlonlive.tv. The events will also be broadcast on Universal Sports Network, with the elite women's race shown on March 7 at 7 p.m. ET and the men's race at 8:30 p.m. ET. Visit universalsports.com/tv-listings/channel-finder to find Universal Sports Network TV providers.

 About USA Triathlon: USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with nearly 500,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).