Liverpool Tri to host British Paratriathlon Championships
It will be the GB’s Paralympic triathlon team’s final racing opportunity ahead of the 2016 Paralympic Games, taking place in Rio in September. In addition there will be competitors looking to qualify for the 2017 ETU Paratriathlon European Championships in Kitzbuhuel, Austria will have the chance to add points to their tally.
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“The British Paratriathlon Championships arrive at a fitting point in the 2016 calendar. With a month to go until the sport makes its debut at the Rio Paralympics, athletes will be looking to make their final preparations ahead of the Games and get race-ready on home soil,” said Jonathan Riall, British Paratriathlon Head Coach.
The paratriathletes will be competing over the sprint distance, a swim of 750m, cycle 20km using hand cycles, bicycles or tandem bicycles with a guide, and a 5km wheelchair or running race. Athletes compete in six categories according to the nature of their physical ability.
Paratriathlon: the ultimate guide
“Not only do the championships offer an occasion to showcase some of the country’s finest sporting talent, they also create a chance to unearth potential stars of the future and increase paratriathlon participation; giving novices the chance to race alongside established names. It should be a great day combining all aspects of multisport for spectators to enjoy,” said Jonathon.
Participants who are physically or visually impaired who aspire to compete in national or international paratriathlon can obtain an official classification before Tri Liverpool by emailing the paratriathlon team at [email protected].
CEO of British Triathlon, Jack Buckner, said: “This announcement is significant for our sport, as we look to bring together both triathletes and paratriathletes to compete on the same iconic course. With flat terrain, swift transition and a looping urban route, it’s a chance for all our competitors to aim for a smooth performance, whether it be a potential Rio rehearsal for our elite paratriathletes, or just for fun.”