Ironman Acquires Lagardère Sports’ Endurance Division
The change in ownership will mean that the organization will operate six of the nine events in the World Triathlon Series.
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Ironman announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Lagardère Sports’ endurance division, which includes races in three continents and eight countries. The acquisition means that Ironman will operate five International Triathlon Union (ITU) events, four marathons, six cycling races, and several other participation-based events. The news comes a few months after the Chinese-based Wanda Group finalized its purchase of Ironman.
“Lagardère Sports has built innovative and world-class events which, when added to our global event portfolio, further builds our company and strengthens the entire endurance business under the roof of Wanda Sports Holding,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of Ironman in the press release. “These iconic events, and the teams that have created and managed them, will further strengthen our position in triathlon, expand our portfolio in running, and establish ourselves in cycling.”
With Ironman already owning and operating the ITU WTS Gold Coast race, the change in ownership will mean that the organization will operate six of the nine events in the World Triathlon Series.
“Lagardère Sports has been a long-standing and fantastic partner to the ITU,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. “It is with their commitment to the sport of triathlon that we raised the bar and brought triathlon to the masses over the last eight years. I fully believe the transition of these events to Ironman will serve to further strengthen our sport on a global level. Congratulations to both Lagardère Sports and Ironman. ITU looks forward to continuing to work together to keep triathlon a major player in the world of sports.”
The following ITU events will become a part of the Ironman portfolio:
– ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi
– ITU World Triathlon Cape Town
– ITU World Triathlon Hamburg
– ITU World Triathlon Leeds
– ITU World Triathlon Stockholm
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Additionally, Ironman will own and operate the following events:
Cycling
– Hamburg Cyclassics
– Velothon Berlin
– Velothon Wales
– Velothon Copenhagen
– Velothon Stockholm
– Velothon Stuttgart
Running
– Hamburg Marathon
– Hawkes Bay International Marathon
– Marathon de Bordeaux
– Queenstown Marathon
– Music Run Hamburg
– Music Runs in Germany, UK, France, Sweden & South Africa
Multisport, Festival, Other
– Duathlon Cape Town
– Duathlon Sandton
– The Motatapu
– The Pioneer