Sports Tours International Triathlon Program 2020

Why not TRI going abroad next year?

With packages to some of the most physically challenging, visually stunning, and most in demand, middle and long distance triathlon races in the world, you could make 2020 a year to remember with Sports Tours International.

 

The Races

IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai – 31st Jan

Mallorca Middle Distance – 9th May

The Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote – 23rd May 

Hamburg Long Distance Triathlon – June 21st

Austria Long Distance – July 5th

Challenge Roth – July 5th

Copenhagen Long Distance – August 16th

Cervia Triathlon Weekend – September 19th/20th

Barcelona Long Distance – September 26th

Club La Santa IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote – October 3rd

IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai (Jan 31st)

The first stop on our 2020 tri tour, and a new destination for Sports Tours International, is the IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai 2020. With a sunrise swim start, in the shadow of the world famous Burj Al Arab 7 star hotel, this race is bound to take your breath away from the very beginning.

Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. With over 70 shopping malls (including the world’s largest, The Dubai Mall), a range of incredible, and family friendly, waterparks (such as Wild Wadi and Atlantis (at the Palm Jumeirah)), a lively and luxurious nightlife, and plenty of instagram worthy chill out spots such as Dubai Marina, The Souk Madinat, and La Mer Dubai, it is the ultimate city break destination, with something to offer for everyone. For those Looking for a more traditional getaway, Dubai can offer tradition souk districts, dhow cruises on the Dubai Creek, and for those willing to venture a little further out of the city, authentic desert adventure days.

The Race

The race itself is a fast and furious affair. The warm salty waters (great for buoyancy), of the Persian Gulf, make for a spectacular start to the race. The Bike Route is on flat, straight roads, and pristine tarmac. Athletes fly out of the city and hurtle towards the rugged, natural landscape of the Arabian Desert. The roads are closed on race day,but for training, the purpose made, 86 km Al Quadra cycle track offers athletes 86 km of bicycle only roads. The bike route is a single loop out and back, and, if the wind stays down, proves a blistering fast course. The run course is 1.5 laps on Dubai’s bespoke running track; a scenic route along the beachfront. With loads of cafe’s, amenities, and space on the beach for spectators all along the route, the crowd support is fantastic. A pancake flat course, this should certainly offer the opportunity for a fast finish.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai course is definitely a MUST do for those hunting down a Personal Best time.

Here at Sports Tours International we are pleased to offer bespoke tour packages to the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai, with hotels in convenient locations for the race start, registration, and transition, which are all located together at Jumeirah Public Beach.

Mallorca Middle Distance (May 9th)

The medieval walled town of Alcudia, is one of the most historic and celebrated resorts on the Island of Mallorca. About 2.4 km from Alcudia’s Old Town is the beach resort of Port d’Alcudia. This is where the Middle Distance Triathlon Mallorca 2020 will kick off, with a 1.9 km swim in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Famed for fiestas, fairs and classical music festivals, Alcudia is a buzzing cultural hub of art and history for those seeking an authentic Mallorcan experience. The town boats impressive Medieval battlements and a well preserved Roman Theatre dating back to the year 1 BC! For those who want more of a relaxing time before their big race, the stunning, coastal resort of Port d’Alcudia is known for its beautiful beaches and laid back, holiday feel. You can take full advantage of this at our 4* adults only hotel (EIX Alcudia), which is just 150 metres away from the beach.

The island of Mallorca has a long standing reputation as a cycling paradise. A known training citte for several pro teams, and home of famous races and sportives like the Mallorca 312)   The roads are smooth and well maintained, the weather is usually fine and dry and with a mixture of flat and mountainous terrains, it is easy to see why so many cyclists (both amateur and professional) return year after year. With stunning views at every turn, and (mostly) patient, understanding drivers, cycling is a great way to train, and get to know the island roads before your big day.

The Race.

The Middle Distance Mallorca Triathlon 2020 will open with a 1.9 km swim at the beautiful Port d’Alcudia Bay. Spectators can enjoy the spectacular start to the race from the delightful white sand of the beach. The bike course will be challenging, but riders will be well rewarded for their efforts, with spectacular views in the Tramuntana Mountains, and will take riders through some of the island’s most famous towns, such a,s Caimari, Sa Pobla and Muro. The run is a, fairly flat, 3 loop affair back at Port d’ Alcudia, featuring ocean views and incredible crowd support throughout. The race finishes, back at Port d’Alcudia Bay, just 50 metres from the start.

For this event, not only can Sports Tours International offer fabulous accommodation at the EIX Alcudia (adults only) Hotel, but also, in conjunction with our friends and partners at Race Force, we can offer the bespoke Bike Bus Pro service. This includes secure, hassle free, transportation of your bike (fully assembled), support from expert mechanics, access to a conveniently located race hub and course recces and practices for swim, bike and run. This service is sure to provide athletes with the ultimate racing experience at Mallorca Middle Distance 2020!

The Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote (May 23rd)

The Original, and some might argue, the best. Featuring one of IRONMAN’s toughest, and most famous, bike courses, through Lanzarote’s famous volcanic landscape. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to take on Europe’s first IRONMAN event; a real bucket list race for athletes the world over!

From the apocalyptic, volcanic landscapes of the Timanfaya National Park, to the clear blue, serene waters of the Papagayo Beaches; Lanzarote is a truly spectacular island paradise. The”Island of Eternal Spring” is a known haven for athletes from all over the world, due in no small part, to the presence  of Club La Santa (the world’s number one sports and active holiday resort) on the island’s spectacular Northwest Coast. This has been the home of the Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote since 1992. Making this race, not just the first in Europe, but the first IRONMAN to take place anywhere in the world, outside of North America. Aside from sport, you can enjoy beautiful weather, authentic Spanish and Canarian cuisine, and a unique subtropical desert climate, that is home to some plants and animals that can not be seen anywhere else in on earth!

The Race

The swim starts from  Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen, the main, and most popular, tourist resort on the island.A challenging 3.8 km swim in the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote bike course has, over the years, become legendary within the world of triathlon. The strong island winds, technical turns and descents, and over 2500 metres of climbs, all add up to make this course one that regularly features on lists of the toughest in the world. However this is also perhaps one of the most visually stunning courses out there, with volcanic scenes reminiscent of Kona and panoramic views from Mirador del Rio. The run is a relatively flat 3 lap marathon round Puerto del Carmen with incredible views out over the phenomenal Lanzarote coast and crowd support that is absolutely second to none.

If you book this unforgettable event through Sports Tours International you can expect; daily breakfasts and evening meals at our 4* hotel, close to the race start and finish, in Puerto del Carmen, including a 03.00 breakfast on race day, and the option to keep your bike stored in your room. As well as this we can offer a bike recce and registration tour, a shuttle service to the swim start, and back to the hotel, after you finish your race, the services of our bike mechanics (based at the hotel), and airport transfers for you (and your bike). Finally, with us you can get, discounted Ironman entry, with all the usual race inclusions, but without having to pay the registration fee!

Hamburg Long Distance Triathlon (June 21st)

With the fresh North Sea breeze, and a swim in the famous Alster River, the long distance triathlon in Hamburg is fast making Germany’s home of culture into the country’s triathlon capital.

The city of Hamburg has got to be considered one of the most vibrant, cultural and exciting in Europe, if not the world. With over 40 theatres (some of which that perform solely in English) and countless, concert halls, opera houses, and music venues, you would be hard pressed NOT to find something to entertain you, in Germany’s second city. If, however, you prefer quieter forms of occupation, you could also visit one of the city’s collection of (over 60) art galleries or museums, or experience one of the famous canal boat tours.

Hamburg is also noted for its beautiful and interesting array of architecture, with its churches (such as St. Nicholas and St. Michaels), and, it’s over 2500 (more than london and venice combined) bridges, being of particular note. And also countless parks and greenspaces, which contributed to it being awarded the title of European Green Capital for 2011.

The Race.

The swim section of the race takes place in the world famous Alster River, offering spectators the opportunity to watch their loved ones race from above, on one of city’s many bridges. The bike course was updated with a brand new route in 2019. Fast and flat, with superb spectator access, this is a course which promises very fast times. The run is also a fairly flat affair, a four loop picturesque route with great views on the inland waters of the harbour metropolis. The Rathausmarkt, which is at the centre of everything Long Distance Hamburg (home to registration, merchandise stalls and expo), will be buzzing with spectators, and, as you pass this point 3 times on the run, will provide you with all the motivation you need to prepare you for the exhilarating finish, in front of the town hall.

In Hamburg, Sports Tours International, in conjunction with our friends and partners at Race Force, are proud to be able to offer our specialist Bike Bus Pro service. This includes secure, hassle free, overland transportation of your bike (fully assembled), which is bound to take all the stress out of your travel, leaving you free to concentrate on your race and enjoy this spectacular city.

Austria Long Distance (July 5th)

A jewel in the crown of European triathlon racing. With a unique swim and a mostly flat and shaded run, the Austria Long Distance 2020 provides athletes with the opportunity to race a beautiful race in an epic triathlon landscape.

There is alpine charm in abundance in Klagenfurt, the home of the Long Distance Triathlon Austria 2020. Elevated  446 metres above sea level, and surrounded by forested hills and breathtaking mountain scenery, you will feel like you are stepping straight into a fairytale, in this perfect Austrian city. On the banks of Lake Worthersee (the warmest of the large Alpine Lakes), a popular tourist destination for people from all over Europe, and the location of the largest non sea beach in Europe. The lake even features a “minimundus” or small world of miniature replicas of world landmarks such as St. Peter’s, in Rome. It is a great attraction, especially for children, and all of the proceeds, made by the park, benefit the children’s aid organization Rettet das Kind (Save the Child), who own the park.

The Race

The exquisite turquoise water of Lake Worthersee makes the 3.8 km swim, at the Long Distance Triathlon in Austria, a firm favourite among Athletes year after year. Surrounded by amazing Alpine scenery as you swim, before the, one of a kind, swim exit in Lendkanal. Probably known as the most atmospheric part, on any swim course, at any triathlon. in the world; spectators  will almost feel as though they are almost a part of the race, as they watch athletes, from the banks and bridges over the narrow river. The bike route is said to have an energy reminiscent of that at a Tour de France stage. A brand new single lap course, with some challenging climbs and almost 1500 metres of elevation, awaits participants in the green and forested hills of Austria. The run is mostly flat, with 2 loops of pleasantly shaded and crowd lined streets, with aid stations available every 2 to 2.5 km. Klagenfurt proves popular with athletes every year, with Long Distance Triathlon legends Daniela Ryf and Jan Frodeno among it’s past winners!

Sports Tours International, with our friends, and part of the Sports Tours family Race Force, are pleased to offer the expert Bike Bus Pro service for Austria Long Distance Triathlon in 2020. This includes secure, hassle free, overland transportation of your bike (fully assembled), which is removes the stress from your travel, so that you can have a fairytale race in this wonderland location.

Challenge Roth (July 5th)

The World Record Breaker of a course that makes it onto the hit list of most triathletes, both professional and amateur alike.  With a long standing reputation as one of biggest and the best Triathlon events world wide, this is a definite event to TRI!

The town of Roth is situated in Germany’s Bavaria region, approximately 25 km south of Nuremburg. Noted for its fairytale- esque architecture and informal, egalitarian and welcoming atmosphere, Bavaria is a culturally rich and exciting region which attracts millions of tourists every year. Famous for its food and drink, such as the world renowned Oktoberfest, it is unlikely you will go hungry in Bavaria. The City of Nuremberg particularly prides itself on its cuisine with hundreds of restaurants including 17 for vegans and vegetarians, so there are plenty of places to load up on great food in preparation for your big race. The region is also known for its castles, Nuremberg Castle (which actually consists of several castles and fortified buildings) together with the Nuremberg city walls, is considered one of Europe’s most impressive medieval fortifications, and the town of Roth itself is home to Castle Ratibor a grand hunting lodge, dating back to 1535.

The Race.

There is no denying that Challenge Roth boasts an incredibly fast course. Jan Frodeno’s 7:35:39 effort from 2016, is the world record for any full distance triathlon and Britain’s own Chrissie Wellington set the blistering time of 8:18:13, on the course, in 2011.

The swim takes place in one of Bavaria’s many canals in Hilpolstein. The canal is specially cut off for the event. There is a bridge over the canal which provides an excellent viewing spot for spectators, and the race gets underway when athletes hear the famous cannon blast that indicates the start. The bike course is relatively flat, with the most notable exception to that being the notorious Solarberg hill. However with crowd support said to be reminiscent of the Tour de France’s Dutch Corner, the atmosphere here alone will be enough to get you through. The run finish takes place in a purpose-built arena near the event expo. With music and entertainment all day long, this is an incredible finishing experience.

For Challenge Roth 2020 Sports Tours International, with our partners at Race Force, can offer you a race tour with Bike Bus services and a choice of hotels in Nuremberg and Roth. Swim, bike, and run course orientation is also provided, as is transportation of your bike to and from the race site, from and to our hotel, to take the stress out of your race day. We offer a Challenge Roth Race Day Fans service, to look after your friends and family while you are racing… and much much more! Set your own record at this record breaker course in 2020!

Copenhagen Long Distance (August 16th)

The Danish Capital plays host to one of the fastest, amd most first timer friendly, Long Distance Triathlon courses on the callendar. You will forget you are racing at this event, which feels as much as a sightseeing tour around the beautiful historic city as it does a race.

Copenhagen is not just a fairy- tale city, it is the home of fairy- tales. The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid Statue, by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade, is just one of the famous Danish landmarks, you will pass, on this incredibly picturesque course. Denmark itself is commonly known as the cultural hub of Scandinavia. With mind blowing modern structures such as the Black Diamond and the Copenhagen Opera House and its well preserved Medieval City Centre, alongside the distinctive Rococo Frederiksstaden district, the incredible and elaborate Christiansborg Palace, and Børsen and Frederiksborg Palace (prominent examples of the Dutch Renaissance), ‘the city of spires’ provides a truly breathtaking cityscape of architecture at its best. The city is also noted for its numerous parks and green spaces and the prominence of water and canals within the city. Nyhavn (or New Harbour) is Copenhagen’s 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district lined with colourful townhouses and cafes.

The Race

The 3.8 km swim takes place in the calm waters of the lagoon at Amager Beach Park, with 3 beautiful bridges, positioned over the swim course, this is the perfect viewing opportunity for early rising spectators. The bike route offers athletes a great tour of the Copenhagen and surrounding area with, city, countryside and coastal views all on offer.  T2 here claims to be one of the fastest in the world, with bike catchers ready for you as you zoom in, you can be changed and ready to run in less than 1 minute! The run is a flat four lap affair with some 20000 supporters on route. It offers spectacular views of some of the most notable sights in the city.

Sports Tours International and Race Force are proud to offer a hassle free overland Bike Bus Pro service to Copenhagen. This includes the guaranteed safe transport of your bike (fully assembled) and safety checks, upon arrival in Copenhagen, before you race and the support of our expert mechanics.

Cervia Triathlon Weekend (September 19th/20th)

With full, Half, and even Olympic race distances available, there is something for anyone, regardless of ability, preference, or experience level, in Italy at this wonderful weekend of triathlon racing on the Emilia-Romagna coast.

A town dating back as far as the Greek Empire, Cervia is now a popular seaside tourist resort on Italy’s Emilia-Romagna coast. With a rich history of art and a keen culture of sport, including a famous culture of cycling. With a ban on outdoor dances and nightclubs, Cervia offers a peaceful and relaxing environment for you to prepare for your race with fine, white, sand beaches and the shallow water, crystal waters in the bay. Also boasting a culture of fine cuisine, you can carb load in style, with famous local dishes such as Tortelli Verdi.

The Race

Irrespective the distance you elect to race, your day will start in the clear calm waters of the Adriatic at Cervia’s main beach. Although the bike routes vary wildly in distance from just 40 km on the Olympic distance to 180 km on the full-distance course; the one thing any route in this area will have in common is that it will provide you with charming, sometimes absolutely stunning views, full of Italian charm. All three run courses available this weekend are almost completely flat, and each offers it’s athletes with the best opportunity to experience some of the best sights and most iconic sites, of this unbelievable location. Thousands of friends, fans and other athletes (racing in the other events) will cheer you on to the finish, and, at an event considered to have some of the best support and post- race celebrations, you are certain to have a weekend of racing that you will never forget.

Here at Sports Tours International, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to get involved with such an epic weekend of racing. We are pleased to be able to offer to the party, along with our partners at Race Force, our sought after BikeBus Pro service. This includes stress-free guaranteed overland transportation of your bike (handy at a race where the nearest airport is 70 miles away!) bike and swim course recces, access to our exclusive Race Hub (to be located conveniently close to the transition, start and finish of the race), and the support of our expert mechanics for the weekend – including safety checks before you race! What are you waiting for? Whatever your preferred distance this Emilia Romagna triathlon weekend is not one to miss!

Barcelona Long Distance (September 26th)

 

The most popular city in Spain for tourists from all over the world; whether you’re into Football, beaches, clubs, shops, galleries, parks, churches, a rich cultural identity, or authentic local cuisine, or even all of the above, you will not be disappointed if you TRI a trip to Barcelona in 2020!

 

The Capital of Spain’s Catalonia Region is a city bursting with history, art, culture and, ofcourse sport. The city’s most famous buildings are perhaps those designed by Antoni Gaudi, not the least of which being the iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica and Parc Guell. But these architectural landmarks are far from all the popular city destination has to offer. From Las Ramblas, with its popular shops, bars, and clubs to the cite of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics at Montjuic (one of sixty sixty municipal parks that you can explore in this rich and exciting city), the incredible gothic quarter (featuring the awe inspiring Barcelona cathedral) and of course, who can forget, the Nou Camp, the largest stadium in Europe and home of FC Barcelona since 1957.

If you have time, after exploring everything the city has to offer, Barcelona also boasts seven beaches, totalling 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) of coastline, with Barcelona Beach being listed Number 1 by National Geographic in a run down of the world’s best inner city beaches.

The Race

The swim starts and finishes, close together, on the beautiful Calella Beach, with a rolling start that offers every athlete the best opportunity to get a good swim, and the warm, calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, it is one of the most popular swim courses in the world of lng distance triathlon. The bike is a flat, fast, and very straight forward, 2 lap course on excellent roads, that offers beautiful views to athletes as they power through the (mostly coastal) 180 kms. The run consists of 3 loops round the town of Calella, which is excellent for spectators who are hoping to see their loved ones numerous times, and cheer them along the way. A very flat course with great support and plenty of aid stations, Barcelona Long Distance Triathlon offers athletes the ideal opportunity to chase down a best time.

Here at sports tours international we are pleased to offer, in conjunction with our friends at Race Force, our bespoke Bike Bus Pro service for Barcelona Long Distance Triathlon 2020. This includes hassle-free overland transportation for your bike and upto 10kg of luggage, as well as bike and swim practice and the assistance of our expert mechanics (including bike safety checks before you race) and much much more!

Club La Santa IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote (October 3rd)

We finish our 2020 Triathlon season with the Club La Santa IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote. On an Island absolutely synonymous with the sport of triathlon, and the home of the first IRONMAN event to be held outside of North America; what better place could you go to tri your hand at the most popular distance in triathlon racing.

Since its establishment as a sports haven in paradise, Club La Santa has always been a spiritual home for triathletes from all over the world. The resort’s connection with IRONMAN is almost legendary as, in 1992, it established the first IRONMAN race, not just in Europe, but anywhere in the world, outside of North America. Now back with it’s 9th edition in 2020, the Club La Santa IRONMAN love affair continues with Club la Santa IRONMAN 70.3 2020 on October 3rd.

Lanzarote has been a well established cycling paradise for decades, with miles of pristine tarmac, challenging climbs, punishing winds, and views that HAVE to be seen to be believed, it is easy to see why athletes return here again and again. The entire Island of Lanzarote was granted the title of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, due to its unique sub tropical desert climate and the inseparable relationship between island life and the nature that inhabits it. Some of the Island’s natural highlights include the rugged Timanfaya Natural Park, with over 100 volcanic cones and it’s almost prehistoric feel, it truly is a place like no other. Timanfaya also features ‘El Diabolo’, a statue by sculptor César Manrique (who was influential in the protection of Lanzarote’s unique landscape) as it’s symbol. With so much wonderful scenery pack into such a small area, and year round clement weather, the best way to see the best of what Lanzarote has to offer is undoubtedly by bicycle.

The Race

With a brand new location in 2019, the Club La Santa IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote moved to a new coastal location, at the stunning Playa Blanca. The swim is a single lap in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There will be plenty of space on the glorious, fine sand beach for spectators, and the race now features a rolling start, offering everyone the opportunity to get a great swim time! The bike route will always be a challenge in Lanzarote, with the strong winds and unforgiving mountain. A single lap route, this course features stunning views of the volcanic island landscape. The route will lead you through El Golfo, up into the breathtaking Fire mountains, then through the famous vineyards of La Geria en route back to Playa Blanca. As you can imagine from the home of triathlon in Europe, the run course, which features incredible views of Lanzarote’s wild coast, is incredibly well supported, with an atmosphere to challenge even Kona itself.

Included with your registration, if you book it through us at Sports Tours International, is, the Pasta Party and entry for pre-race briefing, access to the race info centre and onsite registration at Club La Santa, attendance at the post race awards ceremony, dinner and premier of race movie, and the post race party (CLS Arena Disco), along with many more fantastic extras. Finish your 2020 season in style in IRONMAN’s European home!

 

 

 

 

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