Big Names Launch Professional Triathlon Union
Some of the biggest names in the sport of triathlon have come together to form the Professional Triathlon Union (PTU).
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Some of the biggest names in the sport of triathlon have come together to form the Professional Triathlon Union (PTU), the organization announced today.
The global union will work to represent all professional non-drafting triathletes and will aim to “improve the sport in its entirety to benefit pro non-drafting triathletes and all stakeholders.”
The union was formed in 2014 and its founding Board of Directors include some of the biggest names in the sport, including: Jodie Swallow, Rachel Joyce, Helle Frederiksen, Mirinda Carfrae, Meredith Kessler, Mary Beth Ellis, Angela Naeth, Sebastian Kienle, Pete Jacobs, Dirk Bockel, Dylan McNiece, Tim O’Donnell, James Cunnama, Andreas Dreitz and Scott DeFilippis. According to the press release, the group will look to increase the diversity of the board as it grows.
Executive Director Rich Allen, a retired British Pro triathlete based in the US, will manage business operations, project developments and act as chief communicator for the athletes. He is supported by an expert volunteer panel that includes business, legal and financial advisors, as well as retired pro triathletes.
“I am delighted to be involved in this exciting endeavor, which is perhaps one of the greatest developments to ever take place in our sport,” Allen said in the press release. “We look forward to addressing many issues in the professional sport, helping the sport grow in its entirety and building strong working relationships with all stakeholders.”
The PTU has already had “equal positive dialogue” with WTC, Challenge Family and the ITU to discuss communications and working together in the future. According to the PTU, the Challenge Family has been supportive and “are likely to announce shortly that they will recognize us in an official capacity.” The ITU has also reportedly been receptive. On the World Triathlon Corporation, which operates all Ironman and 70.3 events, the group says that “at this moment in time they are not ready to add any additional commitment and procedure to their professional athlete infrastructure, however, they have been supportive and we look forward to building a strong relationship with them down the road.”
“Long distance triathlon has been a professional sport for over 30 years and while the amateur side has grown exponentially, it could be said that the professional arena hasn’t changed at all and if anything, has lost its footing and its aura,” New Zealand pro Dylan McNeice said in the press release. “Imagine where the sport could be, not just the professional side of things, but the sport in its entirety, if a Professional Triathlon Union had been up and running for the last 30 years! Let’s not get 30 years down the track and imagine the same thing. It is time the professionals did their part to help grow this incredible sport of ours, for themselves and for all stakeholders.”
Learn more about the group at Protriunion.com.