Monday Jun 21, 2004

From July 31st to August 1st, ExCeL London will be hosting the world's largest triathlon, the Michelob Ultra London Triathlon. With just under 8,000 competitors signed up which is a 50% increase in athletes from 2003, it beats its nearest rival Chicago, in the U.S.

Event organisers are now teaming up with the London 2012 Olympic bid team to showcase the event and show the world that London Docklands is more than capable of hosting a world class Olympic event.

Rod Alexander, Chairman of the London Triathlon said: &strong>"We are delighted to be the world's largest triathlon and we are very much looking forward to helping the 2012 bid in any way we can".

Alexander further added: "As well as the overall increase in numbers we have 50% of participants trying this fantastic Olympic sport for the first time and even more women taking part".

ExCeL London's Chief Executive, Jamie Buchan, commented: "The Michelob Ultra London Triathlon is a fantastic showcase for London. As one of the proposed venues for the 2012 Olympics, we will be working closely with the organisers and bid team to ensure the triathlon is a huge success and help prove that we can host the world's best events".

The triathlon has also attracted Tony Blair's former spin-doctor, Alastair Campbell, who will be competing in aid of the Leukemia Research Fund.

Starting and finishing at ExCeL London, this year's event will also see one thousand competitors taking the central London route, after organisers secured agreement from Westminster Council to take the athletes past Westminster, Big Ben and the London Eye as part of the longest course.

For further information please visit The London Triathlon Website or for directions to come down and watch the world's largest triathlon, please visit The ExCeL London Website.

For more information, please contact Gemma Parkhouse at ExCeL London on 020 7069 4739 or email GemmaParkhouse@excel-london.co.uk