Posted: August 5, 2005

Triathlon: Official opening of the World Championship Triathlon in Fredericia

On Thursday, Triathlon Fredericia held a ceremony to mark the official opening of the 2005 ITU World Championship Triathlon, Long Distance. Participants from the 36 competing nations marched through the streets of Fredericia lead by a marching band.

Race Director Mr. Ole Nikolajsen and Fredericia’s Mayor Mr. Uffe Steiner Jensen welcomed the athletes. Speeches were also given by Mr. Kent Magelund, Chairman of the Danish Triathlon Federation and Mr. Chris Kitchen from the ITU. The impressive opening ceremony finished with a concert by the Danish pop-rock band Zididada.

Press briefing

At a press briefing held on Friday morning, some of the expected profiles for Sunday’s ITU World Championship race were presented.

In the men’s race, defending World Champion and local hero Torbjørn Sindballe, has been expected to do well in Fredericia after impressive results in races in the US earlier this year. However, Sindballe was not optimistic as he has struggled with an injury the last couple of months. Another of the race favourites, Sweden’s Jonas Colting is aiming for another podium finish in Fredericia. “I have never been better prepared, and the route and expected cold weather suits me. With the fantastic crowds in Fredericia I am really looking forward to Sunday” the Swede said. Other top names competing in Fredericia includes the European Champion Gerrit Schellens from Belgium, Australia’s Nick Marland and Bryan Rohdes from New Zealand.

Also the women’s race is very competitive in Fredericia. Defending World Champion Tamara Kozulina from Ukraine will look to repeat her performance in Sweden last year. She will be hard challenged by Kathleen Smet from Belgium who has switched to Long Distance following her impressive 4th place at the Athens Olympics. The European Champion Sara Grose from the UK and Italy’s Edith Niederfriniger, a former winner in Fredericia, are also expected to challenge the champion. Last year’s runner up, Lisbeth Kristensen from Denmark is not competing due to an injury.

Rene Nielsen from Denmark, who won a total of 5 track and field medals in the Athens and Sydney Paralympic Games, will compete in Saturday’s open race. Rene Nielsen aims to become the first ever Danish leg-amputee to complete a Long Distance Triathlon.

Triathlon Fredericia is expecting huge crowds for the weekend’s events. Apart from the World Championship race, the organisers are hosting unofficial Kid’s Duathlon World Championships, and XXL Duathlon for 90 kilo+ competitors.