Triathlon Super Series event coming to Strathclyde Park.

Mar 18 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BUDDING county athletes will be able to test themselves against the elite when the British Triathlon Super Series comes to Strathclyde Park in May.

The event, on Sunday, May 23, has attracted a strong Scottish field, including Kerry Lang, Kirsty McWilliams and David McNamee.

But British Triathlon has also opened the event up to the public to test themselves on the same course as the top athletes.

The sprint distance race will involve a 750m swim, 20k cycle and 5k run.

For beginners there is a race with a 300m swim, 10k cycle and 2.5k run.

This signifies the first ever ITU Triathlon European Cup event to be held in Scotland and will give competitors a first look at the 2014 Commonwealth Games venue.

Scottish triathlete Kerry Lang said: “After finishing second at Strathclyde Park last year I am definitely aiming for top spot in 2010.

“Being able to compete again at Strathclyde Park is only going to be beneficial for 2014 when the Commonwealth Games come to Scotland.”

Although the event is still a few weeks away a number of other notable names have indicated their willingness to compete on May 23, including World Junior Champion Sophie Coleman, and last year’s Super Series runner-up Aaron Harris.

Zara Hyde-Peters, chief executive officer of British Triathlon, said: “We are very heartened that many of our rising talent have this far expressed their intention of competing at the Strathclyde Park race.

“The decision to host the ITU Triathlon European Cup was specifically to serve as an opportunity for our rising stars to step onto the international stage.

“With the park being the Commonwealth Games venue it offers all the competitors a fantastic opportunity to experience one of the best courses the UK has to offer.”

Further information and entry forms are available at: www.strathclydeparktriathlon.com.