Triathlon is breaking new ground with an innovative and exciting concept which the International Triathlon Union (ITU) launched today with just under one year to go to London 2012. Triathlon Live Sites in six cities around the UK on August 6 and 7 will welcome visitors to experience live triathlon in an unprecedented format. 

Each city centre location will be transformed into a mini sporting arena where everyone can be part of the triathlon action with an Endless Pool, treadmills and stationary bikes bringing the sport to life. BBC coverage from the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series London in Hyde Park will be simultaneously broadcast live on big screens right in the heart of each city.

As well as taking part in novice events, spectators can cheer on UK and international athletes as they race to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.  This is a flavour of what to expect during the London 2012 Olympic Games next summer, where there will be 21 screens around the UK during Games time.

Next weekend, Triathlon Live Sites will be coming to Manchester, Birmingham, Plymouth, Derby, Cardiff and Portsmouth. Birmingham’s own Jodie Stimpson will be racing in the women’s elite race on Saturday giving fans the perfect opportunity to come together to cheer on local talent.

“Triathlon is a fantastic sport to watch, so I am excited that people in my home town have the opportunity to experience it live!” said Stimpson. “Hopefully lots of people will turn out to cheer me and the other British athletes on as we try to qualify for the Olympics.”

The Triathlon Live Sites are a unique concept and is the first of its kind to be trialled before an Olympic Games. It is a pilot project to encourage active community participation in the Olympic sport of triathlon during the Games.

“The Triathlon Live Sites are a great example of the growing popularity of triathlon in the UK and globally. Triathlon is a young and innovative sport and we are proud to lead the way with this unique collaboration between ITU and BTF,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member.

The Live Sites were organised in partnership between the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the British Triathlon Federation (BTF) and the BBC Big Screens network around the UK.  Partners Endless Pools are providing the unique stationary swimming pools where athletes can swim at race pace in an area no bigger than a family car.