Valencia prepared to host the 2020 Triathlon World Cup: Illusion and security

Valencia will become the world epicenter of triathlon in the event of the World Cup to be held next Saturday, November 7

The event, organized by the Federació de Triatló de la Comunitat Valenciana, the Spanish Triathlon Federation (FETRI) and the International Triathlon Federation (ITU), has the support of the Valencia City Council, the Generalitat Valenciana, the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation and the Valencia Provincial Council and will be the last on the calendar of the International Triathlon Federation.

Authorities at the institutional and federative level attended the official presentation of the event as a show of support for an event that aims to be a benchmark in international triathlon.

They were joined by two members of the Spanish Triarmada who will compete at home this coming Saturday, all in an event held telematically by the security measures against Covid-19.

For this reason, the headquarters will be shielded based on a strict protocol of measures (you can check them here) and athletes and institutions invited fans to follow the test by streaming to avoid possible crowds.

The triathletes, grateful to be able to compete in a safe event

Roberto Sánchez Mantecón (Manises, Valencia), international triathlete and under-23 world champion in 2019, assured that "I thank all those involved so that an event of this magnitude can be held, with maximum safety for athletes. You have to follow it by streaming and you have to respect it for the good of sport and the safety of all".

 For its part, Noelia Juan (Bétera, Valencia), an international triathlete who debuts in a World Cup and does it at home, encouraged the public "to follow us through the networks", pointing out that "we will feel all your encouragement even if it is from home and we will give everything the same even if it is different".

Valencia as a reference city in international competitions

Pilar Bernabé, Councilor for Sports Valencia City Council welcomed a great event and pointed out that “We are convinced to consolidate Valencia as a reference city in international competitions, for which we will continue working, hoping that in the future the triathlon that has already arrived can be consolidated".

Elena Tejedor, Director of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, affirmed that “It will be a very special day for the city of Valencia and for the Foundation for hosting an event of this nature and thus demonstrating being capable of organizing a safe event of this magnitude."

 José Ricardo Vila, Head of the Elite Sports Service, said that "thehe Triathlon World Cup is a great event for the entire Valencian Community.

Triathlon is very important here both in practitioners and in the field of being an event organizer and I want to thank everyone for the effort of making it a maximum security event".

Andrés Campos, Deputy for Sports of the Valencia Provincial Council, stated that "It is a great illusion that Valencia is once again hosting an event like this" and pointed out that "the WHO has highlighted that Spain is one of the safe places to practice sport".

Vanessa Huesa, President of the Triathlon Federation of the Valencian Community, thanked the ITU and FETRI and the collaborating entities "for trusting in Valencia to host this test, hoping to enjoy a great triathlon.

He added that "having a test like this is a prize, it has been an evolution until hosting a World Cup.

We want Valencia to be a benchmark in the triathlon calendar either worldwide or at a popular level and when sanitary conditions allow it to continue with our commitment to sport for all ages".

 Triathlon, a benchmark sport in the health situation and the first to return

On behalf of FETRI, Jorge García, Director of Competitions of the Spanish Triathlon Federation, thanked all the institutions that have unconditionally supported the event to be held and pointed out that "the institutional strength together with that of the Federations makes it possible to walk.

Triathlon has been one of the leading sports in this health situation, positioning itself as the first to return to activity as soon as possible because we believed it was necessary and we could not stand still. We are among those that have been able to celebrate the most number of events since the return of the pandemic".

He added that in Valencia “they will be extreme measures and the venue lends itself to it and will be exemplary so that athletes will be able to compete safely. We ask viewers to enjoy it from home".

Finally, he praised the capital of Turia, indicating that "it is one of the best venues, I believe in it and it can allow all kinds of events."

Married, his future proposal as a candidate for re-election at the ITU

Marisol Casado, president of the International Triathlon Federation wanted to highlight that "Being able to hold these competitions is the work we have been doing since minute 1 of the pandemic.

Volunteers, regional, national and international federations with the same idea of ​​going out to compete again.r ".

He took stock of the performance indicating that “we have developed safe sport guides and what we could do when we were confined".

He stressed that "it is a thrill to be able to give athletes those services they need. Triathlon has been a pioneer in this work and it has been thanks to the great support received in countries like Spain that has allowed us to do this or Germany that welcomed us in the World Championship".

Regarding her candidacy to be re-elected as president of the International Triathlon Federation (ITU) and future plans, she pointed out that "We have been in the presidency for 12 years and everything we have created from 2008 to now has grown.

We have been able to face the pandemic with the resources that we had previously generated. We want to evolve from solid foundations and reach greater growth. There will be no major changes, but there will be evolving, taking into account our values".

He added that "It shows that safe sport is a great tool to be able to get out of this situation we are experiencing with more impetus".

And he added that “the starting list is first class and I think the city of Valencia feels good because the international triathlon wants it to be their home. Valencia is made to be the home of the triathlon".

Equality of women as a pillar of sport

Along the same lines, Casado stressed that "many women are in charge of the institutions, it is something we have worked for and I congratulate the president of the Valencian Triathlon Federation, which is where equality for women in sport begins ”.