The SA1 Waterfront will again take centre stage as the world’s best paratriathletes race in Swansea this summer when the World Triathlon Para Series returns to the city on Saturday, July 15.
The Waterfront last year was the venue for the start, transition and finish and when the event returns in July the area will have even greater significance.
Athletes will race through after each bike and run lap – and it’ll be the place to go to experience entertainment for all the family in the event village.
Thousands of spectators lined the route last year for the inaugural event – the first in a three-year commitment to host the international paratriathlon event in South Wales ahead of next year’s Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Swansea route will be similar to last year with the start and swim taking place in the Prince of Wales Dock and transition and finish area being on the SA1 Waterfront by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David campus.
The biggest difference will be the bike and run laps which will come through near to the start and finish area after each lap, maximising the opportunity for spectators to see the action, alongside enjoying the entertainment on offer in the event village.
After the 750m swim in the dock, the 20km bike leg will take the athletes through the Waterfront and Maritime Quarter, past the Swansea Central Library and Civic Centre before going along Oystermouth Road and over the Sail Bridge back past transition.
After five laps on the bike, it’s then onto the three-lap 5km run which will be an out-and-back course along Kings Road. This will again bring athletes past the event village and finish area on each lap.
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO, said: “Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success but, like any first event, there were learning points for us to take away; the team have put a lot of work into ensuring we build on the success of last year and make it an even better event for everyone involved.
“We want to ensure athletes and spectators get the best experience possible and the changes to the route have been made in response to athlete and spectator feedback along with engagement with representatives from the city.
“This new route will maximise the opportunity spectators get to see the racing along with enjoying and experiencing everything else Swansea and the event has to offer, creating what promises to be another fantastic day of swim, bike, run.”
Alongside the elite racing, the sweeping waterfront of Swansea Bay will again provide a stunning backdrop to the British Triathlon Paratri Super Series, featuring the next generation of British paratriathlon talent, as well as swim, bike, run participation opportunities for individuals with a disability or impairment.
World Triathlon Para Series Swansea will again headline the week-long Disability Sport Wales Para Sport Festival, which will provide opportunities to watch and give a variety of para sports a go throughout the week.
Swansea Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Last year’s World Triathlon Para Series event was a big success, and along with IRONMAN 70.3, Swansea attracted thousands of visitors and helped generate an estimated £2.5m for the local economy.
“Along with the week-long Para Sport Festival, we’re looking forward to a unique week of sporting opportunities for a wide range of abilities, right up to world-class level and we’re delighted to be welcoming back all three events once again this year. It’s fantastic to be able to collaborate with so many different organisations in order to be able to stage such an amazing and diverse sporting week in Swansea.
“Last year it was a great success for athletes, supporters, local businesses and residents. It saw Olympic, Paralympic, World and Commonwealth champions all racing in Swansea. We can’t wait to cheer on all of this year’s participants.”
