WATCH ABOVE: Thousands of elite athletes are in the Capital City for the World Triathlon Grand Final. As Kendra Slugoski reports, organizers hope the event gives the city a big boost.
EDMONTON- It’s the world cup final for the elite. Tuesday morning, our city welcomed thousands of triple threat athletes for the TransCanada Corp. World Triathlon Grand Final.
The event – which sees more than 3,000 triathletes flock to the City of Champions – runs until September 1.
READ MORE: Triathletes may face difficulty getting equipment to Edmonton
This major triathlon is not only hosting the elite and paratriathlon races, it will also include U23 junior and mixed relay and an aquathon.
A great competitor, Thomas Giesen from Germany is going into his 15th triathlon and final competition of the year. He will be competing in the aquathon, sprint distance and the Olympic distance. Giesen is enjoying the city so far and wants to make the trip well worth it.
“We went yesterday around the city,” he said. “I’m not here just for competition.”
For a lot of international athletes, this is their first time in Edmonton. It’s the city’s second time hosting the World Championships, making Edmonton only the second city in the world to host the event twice. Edmonton left a lasting legacy for triathlons back in 2001 and organizers hope history will repeat itself.
WATCH: Organizers of the TransCanada Corp. World Triathlon Grand Final appear on the Morning News
Australian Nic Peterson is racing in Friday’s sprint group. It is his first time in Canada, and he’s happy to simply take part. Peterson admits he has no real expectations, and is just pleased to come over and have a bit of fun.
“It’s beautiful, and it’s nice and quiet,” he said. “Everything is so green – that’s the main thing I notice coming from Australia. The grass is so green; it’s just a beautiful little town.”
Edmontonian Nancy Hamilton is just excited for the Worlds to come to her hometown. With training preparation, and seeing the park being set up, she believes this is a big deal for Edmonton.
“This is the biggest race I’ve ever done… it’s the perfect opportunity for me because it happens to be in my hometown,” said Hamilton.
“It’s a really big event, and they’ve done just a fabulous job at getting the park ready, and it looks beautiful.”
For more information on the World Triathlon Grand Final, click here.
For details on road closures connected to the event, click here.
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