Posted: May 23, 2007

Triathlon: ITU Announces New U.S. TV Deal

VANCOUVER - The International Triathlon Union (ITU) announces today a new deal with major U.S. broadcaster, Fox Sports Net (FSN), to telecast its World Cup series. Covering four races, the FSN debut features the Mooloolaba BG Triathlon World Cup from Australia airing on Tuesday, July 3 at 3:00 PM local. Three more races air on consecutive Tuesdays at 3:00 PM local, showcasing the Ishigaki world cup from Japan, the Lisbon world cup from Portugal and the Richards Bay world cup race from South Africa. “This deal marks an important step forward in our media strategy,” stated ITU Director of Media and Television, Brian Mahony. “Our goal is to distribute the world cup series as widely as possible and the U.S. is an important market for us.” This latest agreement, which guarantees a minimum clearance of 50 million U.S. homes, comes at a good time for the ITU, which has recently announced deals in several countries including Russia, Greece, Croatia, Sweden, Italy and India. The ITU television series consists of an hour-long show from each of the BG Triathlon World Cup and World Championship events. The show is currently broadcast in over 117 countries on major networks including ESPN International, BBC and Sky sports. Airing the show in the U.S. has a personal significance for triathlon - the sport was founded in San Diego in the early 1970’s. “Giving triathlon visibility in the birthplace of the sport is an important step forward for us. This deal will help the sport and our athletes gain recognition in one of the world’s major sports markets,” said Loreen Barnett, Executive Director of ITU. “FSN looks forward to working with the ITU to bring the BG Triathlon World Cup to the U.S. audience,” said FSN Acquisitions Manager Josh Oakley. “These tremendous competitions are the perfect showcase for U.S. sports fans to catch an early glimpse of athletes they will see racing in next year’s Summer Olympics in Beijing.” About the International Triathlon Union (ITU): ITU is the world governing body for the Olympic sport of Triathlon and all related multi-sport disciplines: Duathlon, Aquathlon and Winter Triathlon. The International Triathlon Union was founded in 1989 and now has over 120 affiliated national federations around the world. It is the only International Federation located in Canada. Triathlon was awarded Olympic status in 1994 and the ITU is the youngest International Federation in the Olympics. For further information visit Triathlon.org. About Fox Sports Net (FSN): FSN, its affiliates and other FNG-owned networks reach more than 82 million homes through 25 regional networks. Based in Los Angeles, FSN owned – or affiliated regional sports networks serve as the TV home to 68 of the 82 MLB, NHL and NBA teams based in the United States. FSN produces close to 5,000 live events each year, including nearly 1000 in high definition. For the latest up-to-the-minute sports news and opinions, visit the FOX Sports/FSN website at FOXSports.com.