The organisers, Always Aim High Events, say that they’ve already sold out of the 450 pre-sale places released to their database of triathletes – with over 200 entries taken on the first day alone – and entries are now open for general sale here. 

You can find all the route info (including maps and GPS files) for both the Olympic and Sprint races here. All other information can be found on the Cardiff Triathlon website.

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The route looks to be a good one too. As 220 joined the organisers in Cardiff today it was a cold, wintery day but the view across Cardiff Bay was amazing and looks set to provide a stunning backdrop to next year’s race. Always Aim High already have big events such as the Sandman and the Slateman to their name and the Cardiff Tri has been almost two years in the planning.

This is the first triathlon for the Welsh capital, and will be held on Sunday 28 June 2015, with more than 2,000 athletes expected to take part.

The swim will take place in the sheltered bay, which surprisingly is fresh not salt water, as it is fed by rivers with a barrage separating it from the sea. Transition is in the Roald Dhal Plass outside the iconic Millennium Centre, before the bike leg then takes in the Gwent levels on an out-and-back route promising amazing views across the levels and the sea. Roads won’t be closed for the first year, although there are plans to consider this in future years as the event grows.

Finally, the run is a 5k lap around the bay to the barrage done once or twice, depending on whether you choose the sprint or olympic distance. Either way, great support is expected from supporters around the bay area with a festival atmosphere planned with family entertainment and live music.

The organisers plan for this race to go from ‘strength to strength’ and would like to see it rival other big city triathlons in the future. The first year’s 2,000 competitors is hoped to grow to 3,500 in year two and to over 5,000 in 2017. They are also working with Welsh Triathlon with the hope of hosting a championship in years to come.

GB triathlete Holly Lawrence was at the press launch today and said of the new Cardiff Tri: “I think it’s going to be huge for triathlon in Wales – both for mass-participation and grass roots. I would love to race here, it’s close to home and a great location.”

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Will you be racing in Cardiff come June 2015? Let us know in the comments below!

Our ’12 Comps of Christmas’ campaign will see a new prize to be won on the Competitions section of the 220 website every two days between now and the big day, with entries staying open one month from the start date of each.

That means come January we’ll be dishing out a lot of free gear – perfect if (like us) you usually struggle with the first month of the year after all that Christmas cheer.

So head over to the Competitions section now!

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These competitions have closed

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It is already a popular location for competing, especially now some of the European and International events take place there. Now in its fifth year, the European Triathlon Union (ETU) Cup was held in May on the coast in Antalya for the elite men and women, and is scheduled again for 2015.

As well as this, World Triathlon (WTC) events take place across the country. In Alanya the ETU Standard Distance Championships took place last year, and the ITU Triathlon World Cup in September this year, which had a prize purse of $60k (about £38k).

The domestic tri scene in the Islamic country itself is up and coming in the main cities of Alanya, Antalya, and Istanbul, where the main events are. Ironman have announced a 70.3 event in Antalya due to take place in October next year; expanding the European race series.

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However, outside the main cities, other areas lack competition and participants in the sport.

In particular, on the south coast in Fethiye, there are currently no events and the uptake of a triathlon club is poor. Triathletes are few and far between in the rural areas, and many adults who compete, race abroad. There are no races held in Fethiye, yet it is an area of natural beauty with warm clear waters, spectacular surroundings and warmth all year round; and it is popular amongst scuba divers and paragliders.

Outside of Fethiye, triathlon training camps have popped up, mainly for seasonal retreats abroad. Despite WTC hosting two world cups in Turkey and a middle distance event, the tri scene isn’t a big one, with a tiny amount of clubs, as well as limited interest in the sport amongst many of the people.

There are however young Turkish athletes that have competed in the WTC elite category. The Turkey Triathlon Federation (TTF) hope for a team in the 2016 Rio Olympics, but their results fall short against some of the best elite squad in the world for the Olympic distance.

This year the Turkish athletes competed with the likes of GB’s Lois Rosindale, and Heather Sellars, as well as Tom Bishop and Gordon Benson in the ITU World Cup. Unlike the Turkish athletes however, Rosindale and teammates are backed by the British Triathlon Federation (BTF) and Leeds Triathlon Centre. They have equipment, sponsors and ample funding available for them to compete around the world, and train to be good enough to qualify for the European and world cups.

But it’s not all bad for Turkish triathletes: we spoke to Andrea Gabba, head coach of the TFF, who says there are about 400 people of all ages that compete in national sprint and Olympic distance races. Gabba adds that he has “a good pack of junior and youth athletes, but not so many elites; we only have three girls in the ITU points list, and two in the Baku European Olympic Games.”

“But it is good for us to have slots in this race, it is important for the development of Turkish triathlon.” Andrea is also working with one male athlete who has the chance to go to Rio 2016. The team are training hard to earn another place to represent the women in the next Olympics.

Another group of about 30-40 adults race middle and long distance events around the world. One of these athletes is Kevin Rowe. “Triathlon is growing here, but it is an untapped country for top level sport,” he adds.

By representing Turkey in events around the world, this group of long distance triathletes spend a lot of money in the development, and invest a lot in the sport for Turkey. The money used to develop tri is good news for people like Andrea who work tirelessly to train their athletes to compete in WTC events, and are also involved in the growth of the sport to have people of all ages, competing in all distances.

Andrea says: “Ironman 70.3 is a great opportunity to develop sport in our country”,  asnot only will more Turkish people get involved, with competing and volunteering, but having athletes from overseas come to the country to race will create opportunities for the athletes here.

With a branded event anchoring on the shores of Antalya, there certainly is a market for people to stretch further over a longer distance. With triathlon brands creating races all around the world, Turkey definitely has potential to host some of the most spectacular races. The middle distance event will take the athletes to the antique Roman amphitheatre, up to a canyon in the Taurus Mountains, before the run course takes place through the Belek resort itself.

Along with more races, training camps have popped up around the country. Next year there will be a new sports arena, Gloria Sports Arena, with training camps similar to the likes of Club La Santa, in Lanzarote. Here, in Belek, the new sports arena will be hosting the Ironman 70.3 event.

Bringing more events to the country gives more opportunities to the young athletes to rank further up the results list in the international and European events. So look out for athletes representing Turkey for tri in Rio 2016.

In the ETU Istanbul Cup in August, Ali Mutlu came 23rd and in the elite women’s race: Ipek Oztosun, Ceren Orhanli, and Ece Bakici earned ITU points and ranked 11th, 13th and 14th overall in the elite women’s race.

(Images: Kevin Rowe)

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The list of podium and potential beneficiaries has been refined to triathletes whose disability category will be raced in Brazil. It is an expected move with the elite paratriathlon programme’s future funding resting on success in Brazil in 21 months’ time.

The categories selected mean strong British medal hopes, with two current world champions and three podium finishers from the ITU World Championships in Edmonton, Canada in September.

The elite funding award for paratriathlon is held at £583,310 for 2015, but British Triathlon will find out at the end of January whether its application for additional financial support has been successful.

The women’s impaired limb mobility division (PT4) is currently Britain’s strongest suit with Lauren Steadman, Faye McClelland and Clare Cunningham taking the top three positions respectively in Edmonton. But the women’s visually impaired (PT5) category also sees strong British representation with world champion Alison Patrick and last year’s winner Melissa Reid. 

The other two athletes on the highest level of funding (podium) are (PT1) world championship runner-up Phil Hogg and fourth-placed Joe Townsend. 

British Triathlon’s Performance Manager Jonathon Riall, said: “With Rio only just over a year and a half away we expect to see paratriathlon make big strides forward next season. The benefit of UK Sport Lottery funding is that this squad can focus completely on preparing for Rio.

“As a programme we’ve made huge steps forward this year, including developing our Loughborough training Hub, but there is more work to do. We have a recruitment programme running at the moment to find new guides for our visually impaired athletes and we are much stronger in some categories than others.

“At this stage in the Paralympic cycle it may be late to bring on new talent, but we’re excited to welcome some new names to the elite programme this year, including Rhiannon Henry, Ryan Taylor and Andrew Lewis.”

The exact categories for Rio were finalised last month by the IPC and among the notable omissions were the visually impaired men (PT5) and wheelchair women (PT1). This ended the Paralympic dreams of the likes of three-time world champion Jane Egan and 2013 world champion Dave Ellis.

British Triathlon says although triathletes in non-Paralympic events will no longer be financially supported through the official squads, they will be given support to allow them to compete in European and world finals. The hope is the categories will be included by the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020.

Full list below…

Podium contenders

Phil Hogg, 44, Derby, PT1 – 2nd at ITU World Champs 2014, European Champion 2013

Joe Townsend, 26, Eastbourne, PT1 – 4th at ITU World Champs 2014, former Royal Marine, four golds at the Invictus Games

Lauren Steadman, 21, Peterborough/Portsmouth, PT4 – ITU World Champion 2014 

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Faye McClelland, 35, Eastbourne, PT4 – four-time world champion 

Clare Cunningham, 37, Cambridge, PT4 – 3rd at ITU World Champs 2014, 2009 World Champion

Alison Patrick, 27, Livingstone, PT5 – ITU World Champion 2014 

Melissa Reid, 24, Truro, PT5 – ITU World Champion 2013

Potential

Andrew Lewis, 31, Lydney, Gloucester, PT2

Rhiannon Henry, 27, Bridgend, PT5 

Ryan Taylor, 21, Derby, PT2 

David Hill, 25, Bath, PT4

George Peasgood, 19, Saffron Walden, PT4

Out of the athletes above, many enjoyed dazzling success at the ITU Grand Final in Edmonton, Canada this year, with the 13-strong squad collecting eight world championship medals including two golds, four silvers and two bronzes, spanning classes from PT1 to PT5.

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The ITU recently confirmed its calendar for next year’s World Paratriathlon Events has been confirmed, with South Africa to get things started on 1 March and the Chicago Grand Final to host the final one in September 2015.

Taking to the elevated podia then was the following roll call of multisporting greats: 2013 Roth champion Dirk Bockel; 2 x ITU LD world champ Caroline Steffen; three-time Kona winner Mirinda Carfrae; 2014 Kona bronze medallist Rachel Joyce; Commonwealth gold medallist Jodie Stimpson; reigning IM world champ Sebastian Kienle; 2012 Kona winner Pete Jacobs; and two-time 70.3 world champion Michael Raelert.

Here’s what a few of the ladies had to say ahead of this unique and history-making event…

MIRINDA CARFRAE

“I’d be lying if I said I was in great shape for this event. After Kona, there’s always a whirlwind of activity, but I like to take every opportunity that’s given to me, which has meant a lot of travel, some holiday, some work. But I think it’s important to celebrate victories when they come. So what I’m saying is that I’m not in the best shape possible for this race. I think I’m going to get beaten pretty soundly on the weekend but I’m okay with that. I’m happy with my year, and I’ll go out there and do my best but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to be anywhere near enough for this one. Top 10 would be amazing”

JODIE STIMPSON

“I’m not really know for my pacing in Olympic distance so this is going to be a challenge as it is. But I’ve been training with [Olympic silver medallist] Lisa Norden, who I’m lucky has done a few. But to be honest, after the Commonwealths, which was my first champs, I was quite drained. But it’s nice to have this challenge, and just getting back into training. I don’t think these girls are going to do the bike slowly, they won’t take it easy for me, I’ll just be waiting to get to the run leg. It’s been great to share a hotel with these idols, and I’ve got nothing but respect for them. I’m just excited to be on the start line with them.”

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RACHEL JOYCE

“It’s going to be a super fast day and that’s kept me motivated since Kona. I’ve kinda had fun, some time-trials, joining a different swim group in Perth. I’m excited to see the mix of athletes and I think that’s going to impact on the race dynamic. But no one knows what’s going to happen. I’m just looking forward to throwing my hat in the ring, going for broke. It’s going to be a boom or bust strategy, I think!”

CAROLINE STEFFEN

“Mirinda says she’s not in good shape, but sorry, I don’t believe her! I think we’re going to see some surprises on Saturday.”

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The race gets underway at 7.30am local time (4.30am UK time) on Saturday 6 December, and a live online feed will be broadcast on race day at www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh. We’ll be hosting a liveblog from 7am local time right here on the 220 Triathlon website, and there will also be regular updates on our Twitter account.

Hell, even the pros were having trouble remembering all the names when asked for their predictions. So while we mull, ponder and deliberate, let’s hear from a few of the men on their thoughts ahead of this weekend… 

Having missed out on Kona due to injury, the first question is posed to 2013 Roth champion and Olympian Dirk Bockel if he thinks he’s in better shape than most, ie more recovered, heading into the race? 

“This is bigger than Kona and everyone sitting up here today will treat this as their A-game. And if I’m more recovered or not, that’s definitely [my] game plan [to go out and win].

And what of Pete Jacobs, 2012 Kona champion? “I’m well rested coming into this event but I think this course really suits people who are a bit rested because the bike’s flat, there’s a big tailwind and if you can survive through the bike then anything can happen with fresh legs, you never know.

“I’ll be really happy with a top ten, it is going to be a race like I’ve never been with such a talented field, it’s great to be a part of the race,” added Jacobs. “So not great shape, but still pretty optimistic that things could go alright.”

Whereas fellow reigning world Ironman champ Mirinda Carfrae had already declared her lack of fitness and played down her chances for victory on Saturday, Sebastian Kienle was not sharing what could be construed as a defeatist attitude.

“I don’t know if I’m in shape to be a factor but I will definitely give my best. And we’ll figure it out on the course. I’ve done a lot of races where I’ve not been able to do a lot of prep and then I’ve had a really good race. I think we’ll see on Saturday but I’m not in bad shape.”

But with a field as strong as this, who does he think will be his biggest rivals come race day? 

“I’m not as diplomatic as Dirk [who swerved the question as to who would be a factor in the race]. For sure, Tim Don because he has the legs for putting in one of the best run splits. And of course Michael [Raelert], as he’s very hungry for success. So those are my two favourites.” 

For a full line-up of the pros taking part in this weekend’s event head to: www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh.

The race gets underway at 7.30am local time (4.30am UK time) on Saturday 6 December, and a live online feed will be broadcast on race day at www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh. We’ll be hosting a liveblog from 7am local time right here on the 220 Triathlon website, and there will also be regular updates on our Twitter account.

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Who do you think will win Challenge Bahrain on Saturday? Let us know in the comments!

Yet how to watch Sebastian Kienle, Mirinda Carfrae, Tim Don, Rachel Joyce et al? The good news is that there will be a live video stream on the event website, with two-time Kona winner Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack on commentating duties. 

But that’s not all! We’re also hosting a liveblog on the 220 website, where deputy editor Liz (who’s already out in Bahrain) will deliver lots of course-side insight and debate from 7am local time (4am UK time). Plus there will be the usual real-time updates on our Twitter feed. 

The official race schedule for Saturday 6th December runs as follows:

5:00am – Transition opens
7:30am – Start Challenge Bahrain 2014
7:30am – Pro Men
7:35am – Pro Women
8:05am – AG 50 years and older, all sub-4:40 athletes
8:15am – AG Women
8:25am – AG 18-34 Men
8:35am – AG 35-49 Men
8:45am – Relay
Approx 11:00am – Finish of the male race winner Challenge Bahrain
Approx 11:30am – Finish of female race winner – Challenge Bahrain 

Nearly 100 professional athletes will be lining up on Saturday, including both current Ironman world champions Sebastian Kienle and Mirinda Carfrae, and various Olympians and Commonwealth champs. 

There are three British men on the start line (Tim Don, Ritchie Nicholls and Fraser Cartmell) and three British women (Rachel Joyce, Jodie Swallow, and Jodie Stimpson on her middle-distance debut). The full pro start list can be found here.

There will also be more than 1,000 age-groupers racing next Saturday, with the course involving a fast flat point-to-point course that takes in a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run, all spread out over a point-to-point course that passes both ancient Mesopotamian sites and high-tech landmarks, and finishes at the F1 motor circuit (maps here). 

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Who do you think will triumph in Bahrain? Let us know in the comments below!

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Join us right here from 7.30am local time (4.30am UK time) on Saturday 6 December for live and in-depth coverage of all the action. A live video feed can be found here.

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P.S. We’d love you to dive into the comments below and tell us your opinion, don’t be shy!

Reigning world champ Sebastian Kienle, meanwhile, had a day to forget, with a less than stellar swim before a mechanical early on in the bike put pay to a big win in Bahrain. 

Another big name to DNF was Dirk Bockel, who pulled to the side 40km into the bike due to increasing pain in his hip.

In Kienle’s absence, fellow German Andreas Dreitz destroyed the 90k bike leg to enter T2 with a several minute cushion over Raelert and Australia’s Tim ‘two-‘piece’ Reed.

Don meanwhile continued to make his way through the field, as Jacobs quickly fell off the pace.

Two thirds of the way through the 21.1km run, Raelert passed a flagging Dreitz for the lead, which he would retain to the line, crossing the tape in 3:36hrs.

Dreitz followed in for second, just over 2mins later, Reed third a further 1:30 back.

Quotes, pics and Brit round-up to follow shortly…

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(Image: Getty)