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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 16, 2008) -- The International Triathlon Union Duathlon World Championships will return to the United States for only the fifth time since 1990 when the event comes to Concord, N.C. in 2009.
The event is tentatively slated for September 26, 2009.
Athletes will compete at a unique race venue - Lowe's Motor Speedway - one of the most popular stops on the NASCAR circuit for the 10K run, 40K bike, 5K run short course duathlon.
"We are excited to have the ITU Duathlon Short Course World Championships back in the United States," said USA Triathlon National Events Director Jeff Dyrek. "The event will provide U.S. athletes the chance to compete on the world stage on their home soil. Plus, Cabarrus County will provide a race venue that many will never experience again."
The Short Course Duathlon World Championships last were held in the U.S. in 2002 in Alpharetta, Ga. The event will return to North Carolina 10 years after the city of Huntersville successfully staged the 1999 World Championships.
"ITU is excited to return to North Carolina for the 20th edition of our Duathlon World Championships, fitting considering North Carolina hosted the 10th ITU Duathlon World Championships back in 1999," said Gergely Markus, ITU MultiSport Director. "I'm confident Concord will stage a successful world championship because of the strength and commitment of its Local Organizing Committee and the support from the community."
Frank Lapsley, general manager of the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center and chair of the Cabarrus County Tourism Authority, said: "As hosts to many sports events and tournaments, we bring thousands of visitors to Concord and the Carolinas. We are thrilled that an estimated 600 athletes from over a dozen countries will be competing in Cabarrus County. Our city and state are pleased to support this international event, which will have a tremendous positive economic effect on the region."
More information including finalized dates and course information for all 2009 ITU World Championships will be available soon on .
Past U.S. Sites for the Duathlon World Championships
1990 Cathedral City, Calif.
1991 Cathedral City, Calif.
1993 Dallas, Texas
1999 Huntersville, N.C.
2002 Alpharetta, Ga.
About Lowe's Motor Speedway
Legendary Lowe's Motor Speedway offers a one-of-a- kind venue for the 2009 ITU Duathlon World Championships. The same 1.5 mile oval track that is home to thrilling NASCAR races will challenge duathletes against the backdrop of the rich motorsports heritage of the Carolinas. The vast speedway infield provides a natural transition area, while the grandstands surrounding the track offer unparalleled event viewing on a world-class scale.
About Concord and Cabarrus County
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,300 races and connects with more than 100,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.
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