22 Oct 2012

Auckland gets leg of elite triathlon series

6:47 pm on 22 October 2012

Auckland is to host a regular leg of triathlon's elite international World Series for four years beginning next year.

The International Triathlon Union has confirmed the 2013 calendar and Auckland replaces Sydney as the season-opener on the weekend of 6 and 7 April.

The announcement follows the successful staging of the grand finals in Auckland this weekend.

The chief executive of the organising committee hopes the event will continue beyond 2016 and become an annual weekend on the triathlon calendar for a long time to come.

Dave Beeche says the 2011 Rugby World Cup set the base for Auckland to be able to host international events.

"I don't think events like this would have happened without having had the Rugby World Cup. I think we're in a new landscape for Auckland and New Zealand looking forward to bringing more major events to New Zealand."

Mr Beeche says he can't put a figure on the likely economic benefits, but the grand finals look likely to have exceeded expectations of a $7 million boost for Auckland.