The innovative new format of a triathlon race will be in the morning, and contested over 2/3 the distance of a sprint triathlon, with athletes going off at 30-second intervals. The athletes with the top 30 times in the time trial will then advance to the finals later in the day, which is over a super sprint triathlon course, (1/3 distance of a regular sprint race). For the finals competition athletes will begin with a mass start.
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The new format allows more athletes to compete as they are sent off one by one. The dynamic, quick tempo race style also provides a strong platform for younger athletes to prepare for the leap to elite racing.
“I’d like to extend a warm thank you to the ITU team to permit us to work on a new format like this,” said Triathlon Austria President Walter Zettinig, “We are looking forward to organizing a great World Cup race in Kitzbühel again.”
While the Kitzbühel World Cup will be contested after the close of the Olympic qualification period, this fast and furious format will be an ideal race for athletes to hone their speed ahead of the Rio Olympics.
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“We are sure this new format will highlight the ability for individuals to perform,” said LOC Director Herwig Grabner. “The shorter distance in the finals will be highly attractive to TV broadcasters, which will enable us to show spectators how fast and attractive our sport is.”