Aquabike to debut

Photo: Twitter - ITU Multisport

Aquabike will make its debut at the ITU Multisport World Championships in Penticton next year.

For the first time ever, it will be contested at the ITU World Championship level next August.

Aquabike, a race that combines long-distance swimming and biking, offers athletes the opportunity to earn another title at the event, Aug. 18-27.

“The multisport world continues to grow at an incredible rate,” said ITU president and IOC member Marisol Casado. “Offering multisport races like Aquabike promotes the growth of triathlon worldwide, as it makes the sport accessible to everyone of all ages and abilities, no matter where they are." 

The addition of aquabike brings five world championship events to the Multisport World Championships, said race executive director Michael Brown.

Aquabike joins duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon, and long-distance triathlon.

The race will see athletes swim three kilometres, followed by 120-km bike, mirroring the length of the triathlon.

The finish line will be right after the second transition, with athletes racking their bikes at a second transition, and then sprinting to cross the finish line.  

The 10-day multisport event is expected to see more than 7,000 age groupers race in the South Okanagan, with the epicenter at Penticton's Okanagan Lake Park.

The spectator-friendly courses will feature a variety of terrain and include some of the area’s many vistas, wineries and landmarks, as well as the downtown area.

In addition to triathlon action there will be concerts, a street dance, race expo, a parade of nations, kids races and awards presentations.

For more information on ITU Multisport World Championship Festival, check www.penticton2017.com