Just a week out from the British round of the World Triathlon Championship Series at WTCS Sunderland, British Triathlon have announced that hosting a top-tier short-course event next year will not be financially viable.
Having hosted a top-tier event every year since 2009 (except for in 2012 ahead of the London Olympic Games), the national federation has decided staging an event in 2024 is beyond its means.
British Triathlon cited the current economic climate as the driving factor behind the decision, adding that despite this setback, it is endeavouring to find a way to bring WTCS racing back to the UK as soon as possible.
Popular Stories Right now
“The cost of hosting WTCS races has been escalating”
A statement confirming the grim news said: “British Triathlon, in conjunction with Leeds City Council and UK Sport has decided not to bid to host a World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) event in 2024.
“The costs of hosting WTCS races has been escalating for several years. Following a detailed feasibility process and in consultation with all event staging partners, the challenging economic climate has meant that it would not be financially viable for the event to take place in 2024, despite the considerable financial and value in kind commitment from Leeds City Council and UK Sport.
“Leeds has been a great host of WTCS events for many years and is synonymous with Triathlon as the training centre for several of British Triathlon’s World Class Programme athletes. It is also a key partner in British Triathlon’s efforts to grow swim, bike and run amongst underrepresented communities.
“Hosting major events remains a part of British Triathlon’s strategy, and the organisation is working with its partners, including Leeds City Council and UK Sport, to explore different ways to enable a return of a WTCS event in future years.”
Hosting a WTCS costs upwards of $500,000, with World Triathlon charging a $150,000 sanction fee on top of the expectation that the host city will cover $200,000 in prize money, plus $250,000 for the live TV production of elite races.
With only the WTCS Grand Final in Malaga confirmed for next season so far, it will be fascinating to see if any other federations decide that the cost of hosting a top-tier event is just too much to handle right now.
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Latest News
WTCS Sunderland 2023 results: Beaugrand runs away with the win
WTCS Sunderland 2023 results: Le Corre outsprints Bergere in French one-two
Hayden Wilde opens up on tragedy, brotherhood and the road to triathlon greatness
WTCS Sunderland 2023 start list and bib numbers for Elite Men
WTCS Sunderland 2023 start list and bib numbers for Elite Women
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2, 1024Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery, 1800W AC/100W USB-C Output, Solar Generator(Solar Panel Optional) for Home Backup Power, Camping & RVs
$699.00 (as of February 5, 2025 19:31 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MAYBESTA Professional Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone for iPhone, iPad - Cordless Omnidirectional Condenser Recording Mic for Interview Video Podcast Vlog YouTube
$22.99 (as of February 6, 2025 20:03 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sundays Are for the Birds Sweatshirt | Cozy Unisex Pullover | Game Day Apparel | Gift for Sports Fans (Forest Green, Medium)
$28.97 (as of February 6, 2025 20:03 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Karaoke Machine for Kids Adults, Portable Bluetooth Mini Karaoke Microphone Singing Speaker with 2 Wireless Mic and Light,Toys for All Smartphones,Birthday, Family,Home Party (Rose Gold)
$21.79 (as of February 6, 2025 20:03 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
