Leeds to host ITU World Triathlon Series race in 2016?
If successful it would give Leeds natives Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee the chance to compete in front of packed crowds and in an atmosphere similar to the unforgettable Tour de France Grand Départ in the city last summer.
A leg of the series has previously been held since 2009 in London’s Hyde Park (except 2012 when it was the Olympic venue), but Leeds has now been put forward by British Triathlon as the preferred city to take over hosting a British round for an initial three years.
Alistair and Jonny have advised on a potential race route in the city, which could see the Leeds-based brothers compete in front of a home crowd in one of the final races before the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
“The ITU World Triathlon Series is about delivering world-class racing in iconic locations and Leeds will guarantee to do just that,” said Alistair Brownlee. “I am sure that spectators will line the route and the city centre will be full of fans cheering on the athletes as we cross the finish line.