Published June 23, 2014 04:24PM
ITU, Ironman Meet To Discuss Triathlon Rules
The goal is to eventually provide a consistent standard at events of varying distances throughout the world.
The goal is to eventually provide a consistent standard at events of varying distances throughout the world. Photo: Janos Schmidt/Triathlon.org
In the spirit of global harmonization in the sport of triathlon, the first of many meetings to come was held at Ironman Headquarters in Tampa, Fla. with ITU, USAT and Ironman.
Read the recap from the ITU below:
The meeting, hosted by Ironman CEO Andrew Messick, included Gergely Markus (ITU Sport Director), Enrique Quesada (ITU Sport Results, Director), Joyce Donaldson (ITU Technical Committee Member), Barry Siff (President, USAT), Beth Atnip (Ironman Director of Global Technical Operations), Jimmy Riccitello (Ironman Technical Director), Steve MeckFessel (Ironman Managing Director of Global Operations) and Paula Newby-Fraser (Ironman International Relations).
The meeting was a step toward cooperative initiatives beginning with the coordination of triathlon rules. The goal is to eventually provide a consistent standard at events of varying distances throughout the world.
“ITU and Ironman have so much to learn from one another,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “It benefits triathlon as a whole when we work together to create safe and enjoyable environments for our great sport.”
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As the overarching international governing body of triathlon, ITU is motivated to facilitate and support National Federations and event organizers in creating best practices for the safety and consistency of all events.
The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss competitive rules for both elite and age-group athletes including drafting zones, penalties, swim temperatures, officiating, and elite athlete issues, with the idea of proposing standardized adjustments to be potentially approved for as early as 2015.
“We are committed to having ongoing dialog with the ITU and our National Federation partners – so that together we can streamline rules and ensure we are providing triathletes from around the globe consistency at races as well as the best race experience possible. This is the first of many meetings to come,” added Ironman CEO Andrew Messick.