The bonus amounts range from $100,000 for the PTO World No. 1 male and female athletes, to $10,000 for the PTO World No. 20 male and female athletes. In addition, male and female athletes ranked at the end of the year between 21-50 shall each be paid $5,000 and those ranked between 51-100 shall be paid $2,000.

Rachel Joyce, Co-President of the PTO said “We are very pleased to be able to adopt an annual bonus programme that rewards athletes for outstanding performances throughout the year. The triathlon season is a long one and just because an athlete might have an off race in a large event, doesn’t mean that their year’s performance should go unrewarded.”

The PTO World Rankings is a first-of-its-kind ranking technology to measure the greatest non-drafting professional triathletes. It is a worldwide benchmark of consistent excellence in triathlon. In addition to being the basis for the PTO Annual Bonus Programme, it is used to determine automatic qualification spots for The Collins Cup.

Tim O’Donnell, Co-President of the PTO, said: “The adoption of the PTO Annual Bonus Plan, together with the $2,000,000 payments at The Collins Cup, means that so far in 2020 the PTO will be paying 200 professional triathletes $4,000,000. We believe that this demonstrates the value and benefits of professionals being unified in our own organisation and we hope that this is just the beginning of the many ways the PTO can bring not only a voice but meaningful contributions to our sport.”

All licensed professionals are eligible to be members of the PTO and there are no costs or memberships fees. More information can be found at protriathletes.org or by e-mailing us at [email protected].

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The PTO will host The Collins Cup from May 28-30, at the world-renowned x-bionic sphere® in Samorin, Slovakia. For more information go visit thecollinscup.com

Held from 18th to 24th October guests can explore the wonderful range of unspoilt and remote trails and tracks the island has to offer while also working on performance-related aspects, such as technique, and strength and conditioning.

Hosting with Chrissie is experienced coach, elite trail and ultra runner Gemma Carter.

Gemma Carter is an experienced running and endurance sport coach to people of all abilities. She combines this with her own successful career in ultra running, racking up a collection of wins internationally and even a Guinness World Record over the 50km distance.

Highlights of the camp include: group and 1-2-1 training sessions, coaching from experts, workshops and technical sessions as well as plenty of time to relax and explore. Each camp is fully catered and can suit all dietary needs. Non running guests and families are also welcome.

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For more information visit www.luxurysportsbreaks.com or email [email protected]

Although the Abu Dhabi authorities are working on measures for the safety of all the athletes, coaches and officials participating in the event, due to the new World Health Organization recommendations and the spread of the virus, ITU and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council have jointly agreed to postpone the event.

The organisers are hoping to reschedule the event later on in March or April.
 
Around 300 elite athletes and more than 2500 age group athletes were planned to race all the different WTS Abu Dhabi events next week. All participants will be immediately informed of the postponement, and will be advised of the new dates as soon as agreed.

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This follows ITU’s decision to move the 2020 Chengdu ITU Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Event to Valencia in Spain due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus outbreak in China.

While a final decision about the Tokyo Olympics is probably a few months away, we take a look at the times the Games have been cancelled and boycotted.

The first official modern Olympiad took place in 1896 and the first games to be cancelled was just 20 years later, the 1916 Berlin Olympics due to WW1. As a result of being blamed for the war Germany was subsequently banned from taking part in the 1920 and 1924 games, and they had to wait 20 years before getting the chance to host them again – and that was the infamous 1936 Games.

The 1940 games were to be hosted by Tokyo, but with WW2 in full swing they were never going to happen, even though at that point Japan were not part of the war. It would be 1964 before Japan got that chance again.

1944 would have been London’s year, having won the vote in 1939, but as the war still raged the city would have to wait another four years to host the games. As a result of nearly six years of total war the 1948 Olympics became known as The Austerity Games.

Since then the games have always run every four years, but there has been plenty of controversy, including the 1980 Moscow Games. In December 1979 The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, which caused around 62 nations, including the USA, to boycott the games.

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Whether Tokyo 2020 becomes the fourth games to be cancelled or the first to be postponed/relocated waits to be seen, but if it is doesn’t go ahead it will be the first games pulled due to pandemic fears, and the second time Tokyo has had them cancelled.

The money raised will help tackle issues such as homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health stigma and child poverty. Each competitor has their own personal motivation, which will be revealed along the way.

The challenge will kick-off in Cardiff on Wednesday 11th March, followed by a trip to Glasgow on Thursday 12th March, before the trio head to Manchester where they will complete their third triathlon in as many days, on Friday 13th March, the day of Sport Relief.

BBC Radio 2 listeners will be able to follow the presenters’ progress across the challenge, with regular check-ins on the station’s programmes, supported by hosts including Zoe Ball, Ken Bruce, Jeremy Vine, Steve Wright and Sara Cox. Jo Whiley will face the added demand of hosting her regular Radio 2 evening show live from Cardiff on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th March, and from BBC Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow on Thursday 12th March with the help of Richie and Reverend Kate, before travelling to Manchester on Friday for the final triathlon.

Jo Whiley, who took part in a 26-hour treadmill challenge for Sport Relief in 2014, said:“Having done a Sport Relief challenge and a triathlon before, you could argue that I know exactly what I’m letting myself in for this time round. Both experiences have taught me well and have shown me how sport has the power to change people’s lives. I know it’s going to be hard; we’re going to laugh, we’re going to cry…but all of it will be worth it, and so much more when we reach Manchester on Friday 13th March. In Richie and Kate, I couldn’t have asked for better teammates to join me on this incredible journey, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Reverend Kate Bottley said: “There’s few things I love more than being in the open waters and taking a swim…so much so that I did 365 of them last year. So, with a fair bit of swimming experience behind me I was quick to remind Jo and Richie that it’s going to be a little bit chilly in the water at this time of the year. As for the running and cycling bit, I’ll admit, I’m a novice, and you could say I’m a little bit nervous; less so now I’ve discovered a pair of running leggings that don’t fall down! I know it’s going to be hard, and I know it’s going to push us all to our emotional, physical and mental limits; but I know with my team mates to support and encourage me, anything is possible. I can’t wait to get started and raise some vital funds for Sport Relief.”

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Richie Anderson said: “I’ve taken on some incredible challenges in the past, but this one is definitely going to be the toughest of them all. I mean, one triathlon would have been tough enough, let alone three, back-to-back. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been getting out and about running, cycling and even doing a little bit of open water swimming in Hyde Park…which was absolutely freezing. I won’t lie, it’s a little bit daunting, but having Jo and Kate by my side, and knowing that the money we raise along the way is going to help communities right here in the UK and around the world, is all the inspiration I need.”

Greipel, one of the most prolific sprinters of the modern era boasting more than 150 career victories including 11 Tour de France stage wins, will meet and greet fans at the Factor Bikes stand during the London Bike Show on Friday 27 March. The Israel Start-Up Nation rider will return to the event on Saturday 28 March, taking to the Performance Theatre stage for a Q&A session, sharing his extensive insight into what life is like racing at the highest level.

The 2020 event will be the first time the London Bike Show, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary, has welcomed cycling superstar André Greipel to the 3-day spectacular which takes place at ExCel London.

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A full line-up of guest speakers for the London BikeShow and its sister event, TriathlonShow: London will be announced in the coming weeks. For further information or to purchase tickets, visitwww.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk

“Sadly, it is with great regret that Newtimber Media have to announce today that the London Bike Show and Triathlon Show: London will be postponed until 3-5 July 2020 following the escalation of COVID-19 Coronavirus across Europe and the UK.

“The coronavirus outbreak has been labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The effects are becoming evident across all aspects of our lives here in the UK and across the world. We have been following UK government guidelines and working with the rolling advice from the public health authorities and other organisations, but it is now with reluctance that we have taken the decision to postpone the event at this time. The safety and wellbeing of our staff, exhibitors, visitors, partners and contractors is of the utmost importance to us, and therefore feel the protection and prevention of harm to the public has been paramount to this decision.

“We recognise that business has to continue and with this in mind we will continue to support and collaborate with exhibitors and visitors during this difficult period. The London Bike Show and Triathlon Show: London will be back stronger, full steam ahead in July! Thank you to everyone who has supported us at this time.

“Exhibitors – your booking will be transferred to the new show dates. Please contact your account manager if you require any further information.

“Visitors – your tickets will be automatically transferred to Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July, and will be valid on any day that you wish to attend – simply come along with your existing ticket to gain access. If you are unable to attend on any of the new dates, please contact https://www.seetickets.com/customerservice , they will be able to arrange a refund.

“Speakers – The Show Director will be in contact with you shortly to discuss the new dates.

“Thanks again for your support. We look forward to seeing you in July.”

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The Team at Newtimber Media

We are working closely with our suppliers to make sure that business continues as usual.

However, in the event that there is significant disruption, we will communicate with you via the following channels:

Email
Messages on buysubscriptions.com

On our phone lines;
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We will also put an announcement on our on social media channels.

If we are unable to deliver your magazine to you we will extend your subscription free of charge, so you won’t lose out. Also, if we have your email address we will send you a complimentary digital edition, so you can still enjoy the latest content.

Do we have your email address?

To ensure we can keep you updated on the latest developments please visit buysubscriptions.com/email to register your email address, and complete and submit the form.

Given the work we have done with our suppliers, we are not expecting any disruption in service, but we wanted to let you know how we will communicate with you should we need to.

We appreciate your patience and we hope you continue to enjoy your magazine in these unprecedented times.

With warmest regards,

The 220 Triathlon team

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* Calls from landlines will cost up to 9p per minute, depending on provider. Call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute, depending on provider, but are included in inclusive call packages. Lines are open 8am-6pm weekdays, and 9am-1pm Saturday, for orders only.

While The IRONMAN Group’s mission is to provide exceptional, life-changing race experiences for athletes of all levels, from their first step to the finish line, we can only accomplish this by providing the safest possible environment, and safeguarding the citizens of our host communities.

COVID-19 has substantially altered the global sports landscape and will have material impact on the mass participation industry in the immediate term. We want to reassure you that the health and well-being of our community is our primary concern. To this end, we are doing our part to communicate effectively and follow public health agencies and governmental authorities’ recommendations.

We expect that there are going to be substantial and widespread event postponements in the coming weeks and months. The decision to proceed, restrict, modify or postpone an event will be based on availability of community resources and ongoing event-specific risk assessment in coordination with the relevant healthcare and government authorities and the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board, an independent medical advisory board focused on health and safety.

For events that will continue, The IRONMAN Group, along with the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board, has outlined a series of pragmatic and practical actions designed to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 or any other infectious agent to athletes and to members of our host communities. These steps will help athletes achieve their goals while allowing communities to secure the benefits of hosting mass participation sporting events. They will be implemented worldwide at all IRONMAN Group events beginning March 19 and will continue indefinitely.

Self-care and Risk Minimisation
Athletes who are sick or have been potentially exposed to an infectious agent must not compete or attend events, as this puts others at risk. As a community, we each have a personal responsibility to protect each other by complying with this rule.

We ask that all athletes, volunteers and partners follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus:

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Regularly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash your hands with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Practice good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of used tissues immediately and appropriately in a bin.

Providing Flexibility to Athletes 
Certain races will be postponed or cancelled due to the outbreak and we will communicate these as soon as practical. Our goal will be to move the race to a date later in the year. We work in close partnership with the relevant public health authorities in the territories where the races take place and err on the side of safety for our athletes and the host community. If an event cannot occur on the scheduled date, we will take the following actions:

Postponement:  Registered athletes for events that are postponed due to COVID-19 by the local health authorities are automatically transferred to the rescheduled date. For those that the new date does not work, we will allow deferrals into the same event the next year.
Cancellation: Registered athletes for events that are cancelled due to COVID-19 by the local health authorities are automatically deferred to the same race in 2021.
Other options: We are vetting other options to allow displaced athletes to race in 2020 and will communicate those in due course.
Athletes in Quarantined/Restricted Territories: For athletes in certain designated quarantine or restricted territories who have registered for races that take place before June 1, 2020 and have NOT been postponed or cancelled, we will aid in finding alternative races later in the season.

For those who are sick, feel unwell, or have been potentially exposed to an infectious agent in advance of a race that will take place, do not come to the race; instead seek medical care. Once you have done so, contact the relevant Athlete Services representative for your race and we will attempt to find you another solution.

Safe Event Experience 
In order to provide the safest experience for our athletes, we are instituting the following at our races, effective March 19.

Reinforcing Social Distancing in all elements of the event

The hours of on-site event registration will be expanded.
Athletes will be allowed to pick up their athlete race kit/race bib and immediately exit expo area.
Athlete density will be decreased by increasing individual race space staging, corrals, etc.
No-handshake behaviour will be encouraged for the duration of the event.
Athlete briefing information will be available digitally only.
Non-core, high-contact services (e.g. wetsuit peeling) will be suspended.

Hygiene First

Staff and volunteers who are interacting with participants pre-race, on race day and post-race will be provided gloves.
Hand-washing stations and sanitation stations around the venue for athletes, volunteers and spectators will be increased
No-touch waste disposal stations and receptacles will be rolled out as available.
Frequently touched surfaces at race venue locations such as workstations, product distribution areas, tables and electronic devices will be cleaned regularly.
When possible, on-course food and fluid supplies will be single use/single serving closed packaging
Athletes planning to return home by airplane or rail are encouraged to avoid travel post-event for 24 hours allowing their immune system time to recover post-race.
No onsite interviews or press conference with professional athletes.
No handshake/contact on the race podium.
Printed document distribution will be eliminated.

Medical Service

Education and awareness training regarding signs and symptoms of COVID-19 will be provided to all medical and volunteer staff.
Frequent communication with health authorities and healthcare facilities will be implemented to assist in assessment, referral and initial management of suspected COVID-19 illness of staff, participants, volunteers, and spectators.

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This is a highly dynamic situation and we will continue to adapt and adjust as appropriate. We appreciate your patience in the coming days and weeks. We recognise that this is a challenging time but our community will endure. We are inspired by your  ambition, and endeavour to be worthy of your commitment. As further updates are available, they will be posted at www.ironman.com/updates and www.runrocknroll.com/updates in addition to our individual event sites and social media pages. Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you the best in health and wellness.”