AJ BELL WORLD TRIATHLON LEEDS EVENT CONFIRMED FOR 2021
World Triathlon has approved a number of events for 2021 following a season severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the postponement of the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds 2020, it has been confirmed by British Triathlon that the event will now take place on 5 and 6 June 2021. This race will form a vital part of the British athletes’ Olympic race preparation.
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the race, there will be a brand-new route which starts and finishes in Roundhay Park. Also, for the first time, elite Para-triathletes will also be competing.
FULL STATEMENT BELOW
After the postponement of the event in 2020, British Triathlon and the stakeholders of the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds are pleased to confirm the race will go ahead on 5 – 6 June 2021.
The event, which is supported by British Triathlon, UK Sport, Leeds City Council and World Triathlon will be returning with age group, TriStar, recreational and elite athletes. For the first time, elite paratriathletes will also be taking to the start line for the World Paratriathlon Series which is a welcome inclusion to the biggest celebration of triathlon in the UK.
Next year will mark the fifth anniversary of the race being run in Leeds, with a brand-new route seeing the event start and finish in Roundhay Park.
The last edition of the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds saw Georgia Taylor-Brown take the tape in front of the home crowd and the 2021 race will form a vital part of the British athletes’ Olympic race preparation.
The World Paratriathlon Series race will also be the inaugural one to take place in the UK. The race will see Paralympic, world and European champions descend on Leeds ready to gain vital experience ahead of the biggest race of their lives in Tokyo.
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon Chief Executive, said: “It’s great that we can now confirm the dates for the 2021 edition of the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds and announce the first-ever British leg of the World Paratriathlon Series.
“I hope everyone will join me in my excitement that we can offer our elite paratriathletes the opportunity to race against the world’s best on home soil.
“I want to thank UK Sport, Leeds City Council and World Triathlon for their support for this iconic event during these uncertain times. I also want to thank AJ Bell who have been instrumental in creating a true festival of triathlon over the years. Our partners and stakeholder’s commitment is a testament to the power of Swim, Bike, Run to enable people to challenge themselves and take inspiration from the numerous stories that unfold during the event.”
Wayne Coyle, AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds Event Director, said: “We are so pleased to be able to confirm the event for next year. This year has been completely unprecedented, but I have been really impressed with how everyone involved with the event has pulled together to ensure that it could go ahead again next year.
“We have made essential changes to the route which I hope all participants will enjoy as they take on a new challenge in Leeds.
“We are also thrilled to be able to include the World Paratriathlon Series into the weekend’s events. It will be the first time that this event will take place in the UK and we’re all looking forward to seeing the world’s best compete on home soil before heading to Tokyo.”
Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are delighted that a date has been set for the AJ Bell Triathlon to return to Leeds next year. It will be the fifth time we have welcomed this spectacular event to the city and we are very proud of the reputation World Triathlon Leeds now holds on the international circuit. During such unprecedented times, it’s wonderful to be able to share such positive news and I know the city will, like myself welcome the athletes to our amazing city.”
All participants that entered the 2020 event will have their entry automatically transferred to the 2021 event. For more information on next year’s race please look at the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds FAQs.
More information on how to enter the 2021 event will follow shortly.
