Baku 2015 European Games announces venue for triathlon

Baku, September 22 (AzerTAc). Baku 2015 European Games is today pleased to announce that a venue has been finalised for the Triathlon event next summer. The event – which will see 130 of Europe’s finest athletes going for gold – will be held at Bilgah Beach, located just north of Baku city centre. The race – which will consist of a 1,500 metre swim, 40 kilometre bike ride and 10 kilometre run – is anticipated to be one of most popular events of the first European Games. Mr Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, said: “We are delighted to now be able to confirm details for the Triathlon at next summer’s inaugural European Games. “As the winners of the men’s and women’s events will automatically qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, we expect an elite field of athletes competing in what will prove to be a superb venue.” Situated close to the Athletes Village, Bilgah Beach is well-known as a luxurious seaside resort that is popular with both locals and tourists. Mrs Marisol Casado, President of the International Triathlon Union, said: “We are very happy that Baku 2015 European Games has now secured this high-profile venue for the event. “Their determination to secure a location that has the capacity to host high-quality sport as well as the large crowds that are expected to attend was very welcome.” And Mr Renato Bertrandi, President of the European Triathlon Union, added: “The continent’s athletes will no doubt be delighted by the quality of the venue and we are already very much looking forward to next year’s European Games.” The two days of competition will take place on the opening weekend of action next year, on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June. Mr Pierce O’Callaghan, Baku 2015 Director of Sport, added: “Triathlon by its nature is an extremely exciting sport and the Bilgah Beach is the perfect location for what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the European Games sports programme. “The recent tests on the water quality were excellent and we are more than confident that the first European Games will see a thrilling race taking place in a spectacular setting.”