First ever “Tri St Lucia” underway here

It is history in the making with the first ever “Tri St Lucia” triathlon underway here over the weekend. The event which has generated a great deal of excitement on the international and local scene, takes place in the vicinity of beautiful and historic Pigeon Island

The St Lucia Tourist Board joined forces with an agency in the United Kingdom called Human Race-well known for event management when it comes to staging triathlons. In fact, Human Race managed the London Olympics 2012 triathlon. Digicel St Lucia is the title sponsor for this competition.

At a press conference Wednesday at The Landings Resort, among the special guests was British Olympic legend and double gold Olympic champion in the decathlon, Daley Thompson, who is the Event Ambassador.

Addressing the media Event Director, John Lund said: “The sport is growing, it’s going to happen. We have a lot of athletes competing. There are 35 athletes from Martinique taking part and eight from New York to have a great triathlon and great time on the island.”

St Lucia will also be represented. Lund has contacted the St Lucia Amateur Swimming Association and St Lucia Cycling Association for the relay segment of the competition. There is a St Lucia Triathlon Association under the leadership of President, David Peterkin.

The Event Director is delighted to welcome what he called “so many fantastic VIP’s” to the first ever Tri St Lucia. In addition to Thompson, high ranking officials like Her Excellency, Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy along with Minister of Tourism, Lorne Theophilus; and IOC Member, Richard Peterkin will take part in the proceedings.

Thompson who is inaugurated in the IAAF Hall of Fame, is no stranger to the island. He’s been coming here for the past few years promoting fitness at Cap Maison and Le Sport.

“I have always had a brilliant time here,” said the Olympian. It’s a beautiful island, you have great people, and I like the outdoors. You have swimming, riding, walking, running and stuff and I thought what a great place to have an adventure holiday.”

The competition official gets underway today at 7:30 am with The Dagger: 200 metre (m) swim, 6.6 km bike ride and 2.5 km run. At 8:00 am is The Pistol: 750 m swim, 13.2km bike, 5 km run. Also at 8:00 am is The Cutlass: 1500 m swim, 26.4 km bike, 10 km run. Taking place at 12 noon is the Children’s Triathlon (five to nine years of age): 100 m swim, 800 m bike, 800 m run. At 1:00 pm is the Children’s Aquathlon (eight to 15 years of age): 200 m swim, 800 m run.

The swimming segment of Tri St Lucia takes place in Rodney Bay while cyclists face  tough climbs on a multi lap course. For runners the
course is a flat out and back loop to  Pigeon Island National Park.

The prize giving ceremony is scheduled to take place at 4:00 pm today followed by a beach party.