The countdown to the Vitoria-Gasteiz International Triathlon begins

This Friday the test has been presented officially

Gorka Urtaran, mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz; Eduardo Martínez, director of the Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz; José Manuel Bujanda, Director of the Cabinet of the Department of Culture and Sports of the Basque Government; and Gerardo Escarza, Sports Director of the Álava Provincial Council, presented this morning the ninth edition of the Vitoria-Gasteiz International Triathlon. The official act took place in the Montehermoso Palace in the capital of Alava.

During the presentation ceremony, the institutional representatives and the director of the event highlighted the international nature of the event and its media impact.

One of the most attractive events for the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council

For Gorka Urtaran, mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, "it is one of the most attractive events of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz". Urtaran added that the test puts on the map Vitoria-Gasteiz and its surroundings, putting in value the city, its people and its organizational level. "It serves to value our city and our surroundings. A spectacular place to swim, a phenomenal road network and a unique city for sports ". Gorka Urtaran has finished his speech betting on the future of the event, "from the City we must continue promoting this type of events." 

Unbeatable mirror for the Basque Government

The Basque Government has also wanted to be present at the official presentation and through the director of the Cabinet of the Department of Culture and Sports. "We are facing one of the most important triathlons in the world; with a spectacular circuit, very well organized and with a presence of very important triathletes. An event of the whole city, of the whole province and of the whole country. " 

Bujanda added that the test is a phenomenal mirror projected Gasteiz, Alava and Euskadi as subjects committed to sport. "An event with international projection that will boost tourism", and for all that, has ensured that the Basque Government will continue to support the race beyond words, "this year with a game of 30 thousand euros". 

The Provincial Council of Álava thanked the organization

The director of sports of the Provincial Council of Álava has highlighted the projection of the International Triathlon and its repercussion in the world, “it is essential and it is an obligation for the Provincial Council to support this event for its international repercussion, and for that I want to publicly thank to the Maratlon Association his work and dedication ”. Escarza has ensured that this type of event promotes sports practice, and therefore, "they are also very important to us." 

Direct impact of 3,5 million

Finally, Eduardo Martínez, director of the triathlon, took the floor and offered the main data of the same. He has insisted on the importance of the exponential growth that the event is having in the last years, "a growth in all the senses" he said. "In the participation has been very important, reaching 2.100 triathletes, and in the economic and media, with a direct billing of 3,5 million euros and a presence in television, radios, written press and social networks ... far superior to other years." Martinez has assured that in this ninth edition there will be presence of foreign journalists and prestigious specialized magazines from the United States and other countries.

Likewise, he wanted to highlight the collaboration and support of the institutions and main sponsors, without forgetting all the towns of Llanada Alavesa that the 12 day will turn over with the test. "I want to highlight the work and collaboration of all the towns of Llanada Alavesa, for their commitment to the Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz, for all that collaborate and support us." Also, this year the race will have some very special volunteers-collaborators, "since the academy of Arkaute, with 124 students and 26 teachers will participate as volunteers in the race". 

International reference triathlon in 3 years

The director of the test wanted to go further and has launched a challenge for the future. "Maybe we have 2 or 3 years left to get the 50% participation out of the State, but we work on it." Regarding the total budget of the test, Martinez has advanced that this ninth edition will have a real budget of 800 thousand euros

Photo: FB Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz