Rio 2016 para-triathlon test events announced

The 2015 Rio de Janeiro ITU World Para-Triathlon event in Brazil will act as the test event for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. 29 Oct 2014
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A para-triathlete closes his eyes as he crosses the finish line and raises the finish line banner up in the air.

Germany's Martin Schulz hopes to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

ⒸDelly Carr | ITU
By ITU

The courses are slated to traverse along the famous Copacabana Beach on restaurant-lined Avenida Atlantica, with the Olympic course also climbing through the streets of local neighbourhoods.

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced the dates for test events for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The para-triathlon test events will take place with the 2015 Rio de Janeiro ITU World Para-Triathlon Event in Brazil, between 1-2 August 2015. The ITU World Olympic Qualification event will also take place during these two days.

“With the hunt for Olympic and Paralympic qualification points heating up in 2015, ITU is very much looking forward to again showcasing the sport of triathlon and also debuting para-triathlon on the most prestigious international stage for sport that exists,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and International Olympic Committee Member.

“Copacabana Beach will be a beautiful backdrop for what we expect to be some phenomenal racing.”

The courses are slated to traverse along the famous Copacabana Beach on restaurant-lined Avenida Atlantica, with the Olympic course also climbing through the streets of local neighbourhoods.

“As the races will offer the chance to view Olympic and Paralympic action for free while enjoying one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic destinations, massive crowds are again expected to turn out just as they did at the London Olympics and Rio Pan American Games.”

The 2015 Rio de Janeiro ITU World Para-Triathlon Event will mimic the Paralympic Games course, with at least 60 athletes set to participate.

Qualification criteria for the test event will match that of a world para-triathlon event and points earned at the race will go towards both Paralympic qualification and ITU World Para-Triathlon Rankings.

For more information, visit the ITU website.