Olympic and Paralympic Triathlon Test Events Set for Aug. 1-2

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls will join triathletes from around the world for the 2015 Rio de Janeiro ITU World Olympic Qualification Event and World Paratriathlon Event, slated for Aug. 1-2 at the proposed site of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games triathlon events.

ITU announced that the course is expected to feature famous landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, most notably Copacabana Beach and Avenida Atlantica, where the 2007 Pan American Games triathlon was held. Seventy-five men and 75 women will comprise the start list for the 2015 Rio de Janeiro ITU World Olympic Qualification Event, while 60 athletes will be eligible to compete in the 2015 Rio de Janeiro ITU World Paratriathlon Event. A full schedule of events for Aug. 1-2 will be announced at a later date.

"With the hunt for Olympic and Paralympic qualification points heating up in 2015, ITU is very much looking forward to again showcasing the sport of triathlon and also debuting paratriathlon on the most prestigious international stage for sport that exists," said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. "Copacabana Beach will be a beautiful backdrop for what we expect to be some phenomenal racing."

Elite triathletes will obtain race spots through their National Federations following the procedures set forth for ITU World Cup races. Classified as a Level 1 Olympic Qualification Event by ITU, the event will offer up to 1,000 ITU Olympic Qualification points for the top athletes, the maximum number of points available. Athletes will not earn prize money or ITU World Cup or World Triathlon Series points through the test event. More on the Olympic Qualification System is available at triathlon.org.

Paratriathlon is set to make its Paralympic Games debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and elite paratriathletes can earn a spot on the start list for the August 2015 test event through the World Paratriathlon Event criteria. Points earned by paratriathletes in Rio de Janeiro will count toward Paralympic Games Qualification and the ITU World Paratriathlon Rankings.  

Specific criteria will be made available in the coming months outlining the selection process for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Triathlon Teams.

The Rio de Janeiro triathlon test event is set to take place seven weeks prior to the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final and World Championships in Chicago, slated for Sept. 15-20, 2015. The ITU World Triathlon Grand Final will award Level 1 Olympic Qualification points to elite triathletes, while paratriathletes who win their respective sport classes will earn a spot for their National Federation for the 2016 Paralympic Games. More information on ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Chicago can be found at chicago.triathlon.org.

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).