[Source: supertri] Cities around the globe are invited to bid for the opportunity to host this groundbreaking annual World Championship event, which seamlessly blends real-life and virtual racing, crowning the official Esports Triathlon World Champions in partnership with World Triathlon.

supertri E is known for its high-octane racing, featuring the world’s best athletes competing in-stadia, safe from any adverse weather conditions. The unique format includes swimming in Olympic pools and bike and run disciplines completed on smart trainers and self-powered curved treadmills, all integrated into a virtual race environment. The event’s broadcast brings these elements together, delivering an immersive and captivating experience for viewers.

“We are thrilled to open the bidding process for cities to host the supertri E World Triathlon Championship,” said Michael Dhulst, CEO of supertri. “Our goal is to inspire and entertain, creating an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans alike. Host cities will benefit from extensive media coverage and the chance to showcase their commitment to innovation and sport.”

supertri E, created in 2020 under the name Arena Games Triathlon, has redefined the sport of triathlon. The innovative format, recognized for its blend of Olympic-level athleticism and cutting-edge virtual technology, featured at the IOC’s Olympic Esports Week and continues to revolutionize the sporting world. 

“supertri E represents the future of triathlon, combining the best of real and virtual racing,” said Marisol Casado, President of World Triathlon. “We are excited to partner with cities that share our vision of promoting health, wellbeing, and the spirit of competition through this innovative format.”

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE HOST CITY BID INFORMATION DOCUMENT HERE

The supertri E World Triathlon Championship has a proven track record of success, attracting thousands of spectators to venues and millions of viewers through TV and streaming. In 2023 alone, the event aired on 15 broadcasters across 135 countries and reached 25.4m households. The digital video views grew 92% between 2022 and 2023 reaching 25m. Previous host cities include London, Rotterdam, Montreal, Munich, and Singapore.

Cities chosen to host supertri E will gain significant media exposure and  become part of the future of the sport. The event is highly adaptable, able to take place both indoors and outdoors, and is delivered as a turnkey solution with supertri E providing all necessary technology and operational support.

The event featured many of the sport’s most celebrated athletes, including:

• Jonny Brownlee - Most decorated Olympian in triathlon history
• Beth Potter - 2023 WTCS World Champion
• Léo Bergere - 2022 WTCS World Champion
• Cassandre Beaugrand - France’s pick for Paris Gold
• Alex Yee - Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist
• Lisa Tertsch - Up-and-coming German powerhouse
• Kate Waugh - 2023 supertri Champion
• Hayden Wilde - 2022 supertri Champion
• Jeanne Lehair - 2023 supertri runner-up
• Matthew Hauser - Commonwealth Games multi-medalist
• Kristian Blummenfelt - Olympic Gold Medalist
• Georgia Taylor-Brown - Olympic multi-medalist, 2021 supertri champion

supertri E offers more than entertainment. In collaboration with the local triathlon federation and triathlon clubs, the event has also provided participation opportunities for the community in the build-up to the main event. By adding  age group racing and corporate challenges to the program, supertri E can engage local enthusiasts and add to the positive impact of the event to the local community. Youth and Junior races as well as Para racing can also be part of the program, offering talent development opportunities and inspiring the next generation of local champions.

As such, the impact of hosting the event is measured across a range of parameters, including economy, image, society, sport, and environment. Key findings of impact reports produced for recent events hosted in Montreal and London in 2022 and 2023 revealed compelling statistics, such as that 65% of spectators came from outside the host economy and 85% of spectators were inspired to engage in more sport and physical activity.

Interested cities must submit their applications before 15th August 2024. The selection and announcement of the Host City will take place in November  2024.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE HOST CITY BID INFORMATION DOCUMENT HERE

[Source: Super League Triathlon] Following on from the recent news of a groundbreaking partnership between World Triathlon and Super League Triathlon to grow a global esports world championship series – Arena Games Triathlon powered by Zwift – we are proud to announce the three cities chosen to host these races in 2022:

Arena Games Triathlon 2022 Locations:

•             April 9 2022: Munich, Germany at Olympia-Schwimmhalle

•             April 23 2022: London, UK at London Aquatics Centre

•             May 7 2022: Singapore Grand Final

The Arena Games Triathlon is a trailblazing concept pioneered by Super League Triathlon, grown from an ambition to drive competitive triathlon throughout the global pandemic. 2021 saw the first multi-city version of the Games set in Rotterdam and London; the recent partnership with World Triathlon means the Arena Games Triathlon will be bigger and better than ever in 2022, with a return to London (23rd April), a first Arena Games Triathlon event in Munich (9th April), and an inaugural Grand Final in Singapore (7th May).

We are working with all relevant authorities to host the events in accordance to local safety protocols and Covid regulations.

The blend of real-life and virtual reality racing provides an immersive viewing experience that allows fans to get up close and personal with the best triathletes in the world without leaving the comfort of their seat. The event also gives esport fans, and lovers of sports statistics, the chance to enjoy live data from the athletes in real time. Born in the COVID era but promising a new generation of stars, the Arena Games Triathlon is the future of indoor racing.

Each event will contribute points to the World Triathlon World Ranking, and the athletes who collect the most points over the course of the series will be awarded the first-ever triathlon esport World Titles in Singapore. All three venues will see the return of fast and furious Elite racing, offering an incredible spectator experience for the fans.

“We are delighted to welcome three amazing cities such as London, Munich and Singapore to our roster of hosts - we cannot think of a better scenario for the 2022 season of the Arena Games Triathlon. The three events offer a combination of vast experience of triathlon events, Olympic tradition and great hosting capabilities, so I am sure that both athletes and fans will enjoy it. We cannot wait for the start of the esports season!”, said World Triathlon President and IOC Member, Marisol Casado.

“We have continued to innovate during the pandemic, and the pinnacle of that is our Arena Games Triathlon, which we recently announced the partnership with World Triathlon. It's very exciting to see the first World Series of Triathlon esport coming together and announce this powerful line up with iconic locations. This series will be a milestone in triathlon’s history and these venues will really do that justice!” explained Michael D’hulst, CEO and co-founder of Super League Triathlon.

World Triathlon and Super League will collaborate on all aspects of Arena Games Triathlon powered by Zwift, including scheduling, participating athletes, involvement of national federations, promotion, broadcasters, host venues and amplifying the reach of the events.

I am very proud to see the achievements of Super League over the last three years.

In 2019 we decided to grow the organisation, build out a team in London and, in arguably one of the hardest times for the event industry, we have truly established ourselves as an organisation that has substance.

We have extended our content offering, added a second series with the Arena Games and put together our best ever Championship Series in iconic venues featuring a new team concept.

Looking back and reflecting on 2021 as I am, I feel I also really need to take into account 2020 given the way the world has gone.

When you look at the triathlon landscape it makes me very proud. To deliver three Arena Games events – an entirely new concept – during COVID times was exceptional, as well as delivering our most exciting Championship Series since we launched in 2017.

To put it into context within our sport, the PTO has done many great things but in terms of events it also has a new concept and in three years have partnered on one event with Challenge and delivered one themselves. Many Ironman races have been cancelled including Kona and even World Triathlon’s schedule has been impacted.

Iconic locations

We brought the Championship Series back in iconic venues: London, Munich, Jersey, Malibu. We had the best in the world racing for four weeks back-to-back and the Series for both male and females was won on the last run of four weeks of racing!

Over the last two years SLT has grown from a great concept to a brand, and a league that has substance, a solid fan base, broadcasters invested in it and athletes committing to it.

Any organisation, even if the idea is the greatest and the team is strong, needs maturity to show substance, and without substance even a great idea and a strong team can fail.

Big things to come

For the Arena Games we are now partnering with World Triathlon to drive this into the next Olympics.

What does that mean? That a young, dynamic organisation can deliver a concept that is considered even by a traditional organisation such as a governing body as part of the future of the sport. Also that the Super League as an organisation has enough substance for World Triathlon to jump on to the boat with us.

It adds kudos and credibility and enhances the offering for sponsors, partners, hosts and investors that want to come on board.

Behind all of this sits an organisation that not only delivered these events, but has never failed to deliver.

From a media perspective the Championship Series was deemed thrilling to the last. The broadcast feedback was unanimously positive and in terms of PR and digital we have continued to grow substantially and can now claim to be the most engaged triathlon property.

It’s been a challenging couple of years for everybody, but Super League has emerged from it far stronger and ready for a very bright future, which is an incredible achievement.

[Source: Super League Triathlon] Super League Triathlon (SLT) has announced a three year deal with global athletic performance brand DRYWORLD (OTC Pink: IBGR) who are to become the official apparel partner of SLT. 

DRYWORLD will design, develop and manufacture tri-suits and training gear for Super League’s world-class professional athletes as well as kitting out staff. It will also create a special and eagerly awaited lifestyle collection for athletes and fans. This will be available in the New Year at events and online through a dedicated SLT global e-commerce platform. 

The Canadian-born athletic brand, known for its high performance and sustainable apparel lines, is celebrated for its laser-sharp focus on developing the best purpose-driven products for athletes. Now turning their unique approach to R&D on the triathlon market.

Through this partnership, Super League athletes and staff will enjoy the brand’s signature innovations and differentiators. SLT Professionals have even been involved in the product development and testing of DRYWORLD’s new technical tri-suit, which will be available in 2022. 

SLT is the world’s fastest swim-bike-run series. It pits the greatest triathletes against each other in quick and exciting race formats, across stunning destinations, worldwide.

The athletes will first showcase their DRYWORLD kit at the Arena Games Triathlon in spring 2022. A dynamic new esports format in collaboration with World Triathlon, the Arena Games Triathlon blends together real life and virtual racing to deliver an immersive viewing experience via a unique partnership with Zwift. 

SLT will then host its renowned annual Championship Series later in the year. The series sees professional triathletes battling against each other for one of the largest prize purses in the sport. Their disruptive race formats and revolutionary approach to triathlon is redefining the discipline for a modern audience. 

Head Of Partnerships at Dryworld, Ian Hollister, said:

“DRYWORLD is most excited about partnering with a brand that is innovative in its approach to the sport. As well as its incredible global Championship Series, Super League is the first major sports brand to incorporate a virtual element to real world competition in their unique product, the Arena Games Triathlon in partnership with Zwift. In fact, SLT Arena Games just won the Cutting Edge Award at the Sports Industry Awards”. 

Martin Cawte, Chief Commercial Officer at Super League Triathlon, said:

“Super League Triathlon is always looking to partner with brands who share our philosophy of innovation and progress and DRYWORLD is exactly that. This partnership will not only see DRYWORLD bring their science, expertise and unique technologies to prepare cutting edge race kits for the best triathletes on the planet, but also for age groupers around the world and fans of the sport, who will be able to enjoy a comprehensive SLT merchandise range.”

About Dryworld 

DRYWORLD is a premium performance sports brand offering innovative, superior quality apparel and gear for the athlete in all of us. We build purpose-driven products that give all athletes the edge. Engineered by athletes, proven by science. Shop DRYWORLD

DRYWORLD Instagram

DRYWORLD Facebook

DRYWORLD Twitter

Contact: info@thedryworld.com 

www.thedryworld.com 

About Super League Triathlon 

Super League Triathlon (SLT) is the world’s premier swim-bike-run series. We take the very best athletes and pit them against each other in fast, exciting, and unique race formats, in fantastic destinations across the globe. The Championship Series takes place from August-November. This sees the world’s best triathletes taking on game-changing race formats which are redefining the sport for a modern audience. 

Super League’s Arena Games Triathlon is a dynamic new esports format which blends real life and virtual racing. It delivers a unique and immersive viewing experience via a unique partnership with Zwift. It will crown the world’s first official triathlon esports World Champions, thanks to a ground-breaking partnership with World Triathlon. 

For more information visit superleaguetriathlon.com

[Source: World Triathlon] World Triathlon and Super League Triathlon have announced a partnership to grow a global esports series that will crown the official triathlon esport World Champions. The partnership will see the formation of the Arena Games Triathlon powered by Zwift, a series of events giving opportunities to ranked athletes and national federations to participate and pursue the official World Championship title.

The partnership between World Triathlon and Super League Triathlon is the next step in growing the innovative concept of esports into a new and officially recognised discipline for triathlon. Fully in line with the International Olympic Committee’s aspirations to develop esports with its Olympic Virtual Series, it also taps into the strong growth of virtual participation that emerged during the pandemic.

The Arena Games Triathlon powered by Zwift, developed by Super League, is a unique format that marries real life and virtual racing and realises triathlon’s potential as an esport. Off the back of winning the prestigious Sports Industry Awards title for Cutting Edge Events and the Sports Business Award for Most Innovative Business Response to COVID 19, the Arena Games Triathlon will see both organisations working together to grow a global series that crowns an official World Champion.

Investing in cutting edge technologies, audiovisual content and incredible race scenarios that will generate wide engagement and awareness, World Triathlon and Super League will together help take the Arena Games Triathlon to the next level for the benefit of fans, athletes, national federations and all stakeholders.

The Arena Games Triathlon series builds on the existing MOU between Super League and World Triathlon and will continue to celebrate gender equality, clean sport and fair competition, providing new race opportunities to athletes with the aim of taking the format to the very pinnacle of the sport.

Marisol Casado, World Triathlon President and IOC member, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this partnership. Both organisations have been working hard and investing significant resources to evolve our sport, growing audiences, and giving the athletes the best stages on which to perform at their best. So it is only natural for both World Triathlon and Super League to invest and work together. I am absolutely convinced that the Arena Games Triathlon will be a fantastic event for athletes, broadcasters, sponsors and fans alike.”

Super League Triathlon CEO, Michael D’hulst, said: “This is a very exciting day for the sport. By partnering together, Super League Triathlon and World Triathlon are taking the next step in what has already been a very steep growth curve for the Arena Games. With this partnership, the sky's the limit. This could well be the next Olympic triathlon discipline.”

“The Arena Games Triathlon powered by Zwift has already proved to be an award winning disruptor, recognised by athletes and the wider sports community, and with a growing appetite at the very top levels of sport to bring esport to a much wider audience, this is perfectly timed for the benefit of everyone in triathlon and to help deliver an even more exciting future.”

Super League Triathlon co-founder and Chairman, Leonid Boguslavsky, added: “When I was a kid I had a dream to create a new sport discipline. This is why I am very proud that we have created the Arena Games Triathlon format using innovative tech from Zwift. It will inspire many athletes as well as organisers to roll out this format to many countries and cities since it does not depend on weather or venue restrictions, and triathlon as a sport will grow much faster both for athletes and media.”

World Triathlon and Super League will collaborate on all aspects of Arena Games Triathlon powered by Zwift, including scheduling, participating athletes, involvement of national federations, promotion, broadcasters, host venues and amplifying the reach of the events. The first series will be announced shortly, with the first official World Champions set to be crowned in 2022.

To find out more, listen to Super League Triathlon CEO Michael Dhulst and World Triathlon's Kris Gemmel's "Case Study Presentation: Working in partnership to create an esport world series for triathlon" at Host City 2021 - register here now: https://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-2021/register

[Source: Super League Triathlon] Super League Triathlon has announced its biggest ever Championship Series with the sport’s brightest stars to race in four thrilling events at major destinations around the world.

Super League will move into major cities for the first time with stops in London, Munich and Malibu, as well as a return to Jersey. 

Reigning Super League champions Vincent Luis and Katie Zaferes will be back to defend their Championship Series crowns, and will compete against the cream of short course triathlon talent such as Georgia Taylor-Brown, Jonathan Brownlee, Beth Potter and Kristian Blummenfelt.

The four events will take place on back-to-back weekends throughout September, providing audiences with a compelling calendar that delivers greater engagement and a more exciting race Series.

Super League Triathlon’s 2021 Championship Series race calendar is:

• September 5: London, UK
• September 12: Munich, Germany
• September 18: Jersey, Channel Islands
• September 25: Malibu, USA

There will be 20 female and 20 male athletes competing at each event on a single day of racing over Super League’s exciting formats. As well as the athletes contracted across the Series, the start list for each event will include a small allocation of Wildcard slots to be filled nearer the time.

Racing in London will take place at West India Quay, at the Olympiapark in Munich and at Zuma Beach as part of the Malibu Triathlon, with Jersey’s event set to feature at St Helier for the fourth time. Individual event details and announcements around global broadcast deals will be made in the coming months.

Super League Triathlon CEO, Michael D’hulst, said: “This is a very significant and exciting day, not just for Super League but triathlon as a whole. Super League Triathlon’s 2021 Championship Series brings us closer to where the fans are and this is what we are about – making triathlon a spectator sport.

“To be able to deliver a Championship Series in a condensed time period in the calendar straight after the Olympics and to follow our strategic ambitions to visit major cities in key markets has been a goal we have been working towards since Super League was established just four years ago. Our first Championship Series events in the UK, Germany and the USA are significant milestones.

“Securing the best athletes in the world to race across the Series as we build on the success of the SLT Arena Games to host outdoor events again in iconic locations will help to elevate our sport.”

Multiple Super League Triathlon winner Vincent Luis said: “First of all, it is amazing that we can race and Super League puts such effort into us racing.

Jersey is my favourite venue of all time, and I look forward to seeing what London, Munich and Malibu have to offer. In these kinds of races, you enjoy from the start to the finish. It will be a really good build-up to the Olympics and then Super League to enjoy with four races in a row. I can’t wait. Putting the race tyres on the bike, getting the race suits ready… it’s just around the corner.”

For more information visit https://superleaguetriathlon.com/

[Source: Super League Triathlon] London and Rotterdam will play host to two cutting edge professional triathlon events as the SLT Arena Games Powered by Zwift heads to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on March 27 before a spectacular return to the Netherlands on April 18.

British Olympic medal hopefuls Jonathan Brownlee, Georgia Taylor-Brown and Alex Yee are already confirmed to take on the unique blend of real life and virtual racing in London, with more star names to be announced for both events in the coming weeks.

The SLT Arena Games Powered by Zwift took the triathlon world by storm on its debut in Rotterdam last year, drawing a huge audience thanks to its innovative and exciting indoor race concept, and leading to the 2021 events securing global broadcast deals that cover more than 100 territories.

Athletes complete three rounds of fast and furious action. The swim takes place in an Olympic sized pool and the bike and run legs on static equipment with the racing realised in the virtual world of Zwift, the world’s leading online training and racing platform, providing detailed data insights and up close and personal emotions of the competitors.

Super League Triathlon CEO, Michael D’hulst, said: “We are continuing to grow the SLT Arena Games Powered by Zwift and make it part of Super League’s yearly offering of exciting professional triathlon. Bringing an event to London is a big step for Super League and in line with our objectives for 2021 as we look to grow rapidly into key triathlon markets. We are also delighted to return to Rotterdam, which is where the SLT Arena Games Powered by Zwift started with a spectacular debut event.

“Broadcasters have recognised the success of the concept and the partnership between Super League Triathlon and Zwift, which has led to a major expansion of our global distribution so sport fans can watch live wherever they are in the world.

“We will make a few small tweaks to the format to improve the events further and have put together some fantastic line-ups. I can’t wait to see so many Olympic hopefuls racing at full throttle.”

“The first SLT Arena games was a true spectacle, and an ideal broadcast and spectator event,” says Eric Min, CEO & Co-Founder of Zwift.

“It’s great that the series will return, supported by Zwift. As a resident of London for many years, I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the next round in March in the beautiful Olympic pool in Stratford.

“Super League is today announcing the first athletes that will be competing in London, with a further eleven, plus the field for Rotterdam, to be released in the coming weeks.”

The  announcement focusses on a wave of British stars taking part in a home event, with World Champion Georgia Taylor-Brown and double Olympic medallist Jonathan Brownlee taking on a host of big names, including stars of longer distance triathlon such as Ruth Astle and George Goodwin.

The first edition of the SLT Arena Games was held in Rotterdam in August 2020 with more than 600,000 fans watching across Super League’s digital channels alone as Jessica Learmonth and Justus Nieschlag secured the inaugural titles.

The athletes face three stages of swim, bike and run, with the order of the legs shuffled every round. Each swim is 200m, bike 4km and run 1km.

The events will also be supported by Garmin, who will integrate the use of the Forerunner 945, HRM Pro and Tacx NEO 2T smart trainer to deliver even more data and insight to fans.

Super League Triathlon is set to establish itself in the USA with the acquisition of the Malibu Triathlon.

The prestigious event has welcomed world class athletes as well as Hollywood stars such as Matthew McConaughey and Zac Efron during its long and illustrious history and secures Super League Triathlon a significant entry into the US market.

Malibu Triathlon will remain under its own branding and will also continue to support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), having raised more than $15m for the cause. Further announcements on Super League’s exciting plans for the event will be announced in early 2021.

Super League Triathlon CEO and co-founder, Michael D’hulst, said: “We handpicked the Malibu Triathlon for this investment due its incredible history in sprint and Olympic distance racing and its incredible potential for Super League Triathlon.

“Acquiring the Malibu Triathlon is a perfect opportunity for Super League to move into the USA and build our presence in a region that already has a strong affinity with our exciting and dynamic racing and the content that we offer. It also aligns with our wider strategy to add more major cities and regions to our portfolio.

“We would like to thank Michael Epstein and his team who have worked so hard down the years to build and enhance the event, as well as previous owners Motiv.

“The prospect of Super League being involved with such an iconic race is very exciting.”

The Malibu Triathlon was first held in 1986 and retains a special place in the sport’s history.

The event starts and finishes on the sands of Zuma Beach and takes in the incredible ocean views of the Pacific Coast Highway.

This year’s event was replaced by the Virtual Triathlon and Duathlon Presented By Bank Of America. More than 700 participants from around the world took part raising $200,000 for Pediatric Cancer Research at CHLA.

Malibu Triathlon is a favourite of the film and entertainment industry with the likes of Tom Cruise, James Marsden and Jennifer Lopez having taken part.

[Source: Super League Triathlon]

Host City: The sports events market is crowded with a busy calendar – what were the challenges in launching Super League Triathlon and what is it that makes Super League Triathlon stand out?

Michael D’hulst: We have developed a unique product, a game changing reinvention of triathlon, and Super League appeals to the modern-day consumer in that it is very action packed, entertaining, accessible, green and sustainable, so we tick a lot of boxes.

We are also less disruptive than many other triathlons because of our small footprint.

All we need to operate an event is an 800-metre loop and that can be done in the middle of a city or even using bike ways because we need so little in the way of road closures.

We have a proven concept which we have won awards for and we can deliver these amazing entertainment and sporting events while showcasing our host cities. We always integrate with them and ensure we are not disruptive.

Though we are always mindful of a busy sporting calendar, because of our unique product we don’t consider it too much beyond arranging around the availability of our athletes and broadcast schedules.

Host City: How many visitors and participants do you typically get at Super League Triathlon events – what’s the demographic?

Michael D’hulst: Our demographic is the typical one of triathlon in terms of ABC1 – but there is one very important difference in that our audience is younger.

There is already a clear trend that fans of Super League Triathlon are a lot younger than, for example, Ironman. We see that in our social media too and help to drive that through our innovative presentation.

Our demographic is very valuable to an event host as they have a higher propensity to spend.

We are also engaging a good percentage of the population of our hosts.

On Jersey, an island of 100,000 people, we get 20,000 people coming to the events.

In 2020 we are looking to grow into bigger cities and we see attendance growing exponentially as a result.

Host City: How is the action shared to viewers that aren’t able to attend in person – what are the viewing figures and on which platforms?

Michael D’hulst: One of the major drawing cards for Super League Triathlon is that we invest a lot in creating free content, live broadcasting, streaming and on our social media platforms.

The biggest audience is in France but there is significant growth around continental Europe.

Our social media numbers have also grown exponentially event by event. If we continue the growth trends we have seen so far we expect a reach of 42 million across Facebook and Instagram for our next event.

In terms of impressions combined across those platforms, we are estimating 65 million plus.

We work with 104 broadcasters to reach 1.16 billion households and our last event in Singapore had 520 hours of broadcast time. We have seen these numbers grow event by event.

Host City: How else do destinations benefit from hosting Super League Triathlon?

Michael D’hulst: We focus on several elements.

Having a direct economic impact is always important to a destination.
Then the media value we drive and the emphasis we have on leveraging television and social media, distributing behind the scenes and destination content in the build-up to a race, pushing out news features, live streaming, highlights, post-produced documentary etc.

But, arguably, the intangible factors are even more important. We are speaking about a very interesting demographic, whose lives and priorities are aligned with the host cities we are targeting.

We have our professional athletes under contract and that means we can utilise them as we create a whole outreach programme that builds into communities and we customise to what the host venue wants.

For example, they may want to showcase their sustainability efforts to the world and promote healthy living – perhaps like Jersey’s ocean culture – or maybe like Singapore leveraging our expertise to help create a high-performance culture because they have Olympic medal dreams.

We will also take our athletes into schools, local communities and businesses.

We customise how we leverage what we bring to the table with our athletes and brand, to make that work for our hosts and also ensure there is a legacy that continues year-round.

At the event itself, it’s more than just the professional racing as we build out corporate hospitality with direct access to pros, participation events for amateurs of all abilities to encourage people to participate in our wonderful sport and a Fan Zone with an emphasis on being family friendly.

Host City: What are the main criteria you look for in a host destination?

Michael D’hulst: There needs to be shared values and an alignment with the demographic and the sport. For example, an emphasis on an outdoor and healthy lifestyle, a focus on sustainability, and also innovation.

Television is a big part of what we do so we look for scenic and iconic spots that people see on television and think ‘wow’, and our venues only require an 800-metre loop.

Host City: I am sure many destinations would jump at the chance to host Super League Triathlon – what’s the process of bidding to host an event?

Michael D’hulst: We are arranging a calendar typically a minimum of 12 months in advance.

We are looking at our 2021 calendar at the moment and we have a Championship Series that runs August-November.

We need to be responsible as well and to look after the athletes and their movements around the world.

It typically all starts with an expression of interest from a host city and then we have a conversation as to how we make that work. The formal selection decisions for 2021 will be made in summer 2020.

Host City: How would you sum up 2019 for Super League Triathlon so far and what are your expectations of 2020?

Michael D’hulst: It was always the case that 2019 was going to be a challenging season because of the upcoming Olympics. Triathlon is an Olympic sport and, understandably, a key goal for many of our athletes, and we fully respect that.

We consulted with them and decided to run two Championship Series events in 2019 but to use this ‘Olympic pause’ to prepare and work closely with our host venues to deliver what will be by far our biggest and best season yet with many more events in 2020.

We have some very exciting times ahead.

Super League Triathlon CEO Michael D’hulst is speaking at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November