Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds triathlon event will inspire Brownlee brothers say Leeds Beckett coaches
Jack Maitland, Head Triathlon Coach at Leeds Beckett University, says the opportunity of a ‘home fixture’ on 11-12 June 2016 is an exciting prospect for the brothers and the home crowd.
“What better motivator could there be? Racing in a major event in their home city – it’s something to look forward to. We’ve also got another dozen athletes in our performance squad here at Leeds Beckett who could compete.
“Hosting the event is fantastic for Leeds and will only add to the city’s growing reputation as a centre for triathlon.”
Maitland believes that the format of the World Series event will capture the imagination of the public in and around Leeds.
He explains: “We saw how popular the Tour de France was last year and, unlike that event, spectators will be treated to more action because of the multi-lap course. They’ll be a swim at Roundhay Park most likely, and then a bike ride and run in which athletes will go past people a number of times.”
“And because the event is an Olympic year the level of competition will be intense – people will see it as a form guide for the Games in Brazil.”
Olympic gold medallist Alistair, who graduated in MSc Finance from Leeds Beckett in 2013, agrees that the event will be a big hit. He says: “In Leeds, the entire city is going to be behind the triathlon.
“It’s going to be the major event of the summer. Hopefully, hundreds of thousands of people are going to come out to support the sport.”
Another of Alistair and Jonathan’s coaches, Malcolm Brown MBE, a former running coach for UK Athletics and former Director of Sport at Leeds Beckett as well as a current Performance Coach at Leeds Triathlon Centre, is also thrilled to see the event come to Leeds.
“At the Leeds Triathlon Centre we’ve wanted this for a long time, a high-profile event with competitors form around the world, including two lads from Leeds – I think there will be a real thirst and enthusiasm from the public to see triathlon close up.
“Formula 1 is probably the nearest equivalent in terms of an event – all the best racers come together throughout the season and one will eventually be crowned world champion. Hopefully we’ll get a Leeds winner. I’m sure Alistair and Jonny are already looking forward to it.”
In 2013, Malcolm received an honorary Doctorate in Sport Science from Leeds Beckett University for his services to sport.
Head of Sport at Leeds Beckett, Sally Nickson, feels that hosting the event is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the quality of coaching and sporting pedigree Leeds has to offer. She said: “We are delighted that the city has been successful in its bid to host the first stage of the World Triathlon Series next year. It’s another fantastic opportunity for Leeds to showcase its excellent sporting talent – from the world class athletes and their coaches, to the officials, volunteers and spectators from within our University and across the region, who support these events to ensure they are a complete success.”