The new but yet to be tested Island Triathlon Series has had a tough time getting to the starting line. The Island Triathlon Series features a new triathlon distance which they are calling The Island Eighty, it consist of a 1 mile Swim, 66 mile Bike and 13 mile Run. In November of 2007 they added a new shorter distance triathlon to the race appropriately called The Island Forty which features a 1 mile Swim, 33.5 mile Bike and a 5.5 mile Run.
The new and unique triathlon event was originally set to take place on December 1st, 2007 on the Providenciales Island of the Turks & Caicos. Then in October of 2007, two months before the race is scheduled to take place the date for the inaugural race is moved to Saturday, March 29, 2008. Now comes word that the race has been postponed until March of 2009.
Here is an excerpt from an email being sent to participants:
As a result of some operational challenges, we have made the difficult
decision to postpone the inaugural Island Triathlon SeriesT until March of
2009.It is our vision to create a unique property that redefines the sport of
triathlon. Given the complexities of the event from a logistical
perspective, the substantial financial resources required, and our
reputation for excellence as a 4 time international award-winning event
producer, we require more time to put our best foot forward.
They had assembled some big time professionals to come race in the Caribbean at their race, such as 2007 Ironman World Champ Chris McCormack and Lisa Bentley, Nina Kraft, Chris Legh, Chris Lieto, Kim Loeffler and Marino Vanhoenacker as well as celebrity triathlete Andy Baldwin.
It's unfortunate to see them falter. It's going to be extremely tough to get people to register for the next event with constant changes like this. I would be cool to race in that turquoise waters of the Caribbean and feel the heat during our winter season. If they are successful enough to put on the triathlon event in March of 2009 let’s hope it's a great race that will stick around for years to come. We wish them luck getting this taken care of and getting to the starting line in 2009.
For more information about the Island Triathlon Series visit: www.islandtriathlonseries.com
Related Posts:
• Island Triathlon Series Adds New Race Distance
• Date Change for Inaugural Island Triathlon Series Race
• New Triathlon Items for 2007 – Part I
