Final line for the International Triathlon of Vitoria-Gasteiz

The organization of the International Triathlon finalizes all aspects related to the appointment of the next 12 in July. The participation, of real luxury, will be the most numerous of the last editions, with 2.100 triathletes from 19 countries. With regard to the merely organizational issues, there will be important novelties in the foot circuit and in the cyclist test.

One month after the celebration of the eighth edition of the International Triathlon of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the organization finalizes the preparations in all areas of action, from the aspects related to the participation of prestigious triathletes to those linked to travel, volunteering, career animation and other types of organizational work. The province of Álava will witness a first-class sporting event, and once again, for the eighth consecutive year, our city will receive the visit of many of the best triathletes in the world.
 
First level participation
 
In total 2.100 triathletes will be at the start of the race, with 1.050 enrolled in the distance Full (3,8-180-42) and many others in the Half. Most of them, 1.430, will go to Vitoria-Gasteiz from outside Euskadi, with 47 Spanish provinces represented, standing out among all of them, the Barcelona 285 that will attend the event. Also, 18 will be represented countries, with special attention to French triathletes, who will go en masse to Vitoria-Gasteiz.
 
Among the favorites we can highlight Alejandro Santamaría. The Madrid triathlete has 25 worldwide with the Spanish team, 16 ironman and a long list of successes in the Tri world. Next to him, one of his main competitors will be Pedro Gomes, two times Ironman champion and one of the best long distance triathletes in the world. In the modality of Half, the tolosarra triathlete Aimar Agirresarobe will split among the favorites.
 
In the female category, the Canadian Brooke Brown, winner in the previous edition, will be the main candidate for victory. Next to her, they will be among others ... the local Arrate Mintegi, Kathrin Walter e Yvette Grice, third in the 2013 edition.

News in the circuit on foot
 
The circuit is not altered in its route, being able to enjoy both triathletes and companions of its beautiful pedestrian walks, parks and the central finish area located in the old town, but although very similar to previous years, it will offer a special variant: In the transition from the cycling event to the running race, on Olaguibel Street, in the areas technically called T2-1 and T2-2 there will be a change compared to last year. Thus, the triathletes will collect their bicycles in the boxes on Calle Olaguibel and on a carpet installed on Calle Fueros they will go to Plaza de los Fueros, where the T2-2 tent will be located to make the transition to the foot race.
 
Cycling circuit
 
The cycling circuit will also have news. With the aim of facilitating the transit of cyclists and at the same time avoiding cases of drafting (go to wheel), the first two laps of the triathletes participating in the full distance will be the long laps. In this way, triathletes Half and Full they will not coincide for much of the journey. With this measure, the organization aims to decongest the cyclist test and put in place another measure on the control of drafting. With this same objective have enabled three penalty boxes (one more than last year) in Landa, Salvatierra and another between Zurbano and Buesa Arena.
 
Animation points and increase of prizes
 
The race on foot will have several points of animation during the tour through the streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz. In addition to the finish area, the University walk and the Fray Francisco promenade will also feature live musical performances so that the triathletes do not miss the breath of the whole city. With all this, the organization wants the city to vibrate with the Triathlon and Vitoria is a great party. Regarding the awards, also these, have increased considerably compared to the edition of 2014. This year will be distributed 9.250,00 euros in prizes, an 23% more than last year, both in the modality Half as in the Ironman.
 
Hotel occupancy and economic impact
 
Another important aspect of the Triathlon of Vitoria is its economic impact on the city, the province and on Euskadi. Hotel occupancy will be one hundred percent, with all rooms available in Vitoria and the surrounding area. So much so, that from the organization has been used several hotels in Miranda to accommodate the triathletes and their companions. Taking into account the estimate of spending by triathlete and companion for practically the entire weekend, it is estimated that the direct economic impact in the city exceeds three million euros this year, to which should be added the media impact both nationally and internationally. assured with the arrival in Vitoria of journalists from the most prestigious specialized triathlon magazines in the USA, Canada, Italy, France and the United Kingdom.
 
Volunteers
 
Last, but not least, from the organization of the test we want to emphasize the need to have a good number of volunteers during the day of the race. It is estimated that in total 500 will be necessary people willing to live from within the sporting event and feel the race practically like a triathlete. All those interested in giving their name and participating in the Triathlon of Vitoria as volunteers should go to the website http://www.triathlonvitoria.com/ and sign up