Last month we reported on the new Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) Tour. In 2022 there will be two “Open” events (Canada and US) along with the Collins Cup, and a Pro Am event in Los Angeles in May. In 2023 there will be two more “Open” races (Asia and European).
The first of the “Open” races is the PTO Canadian Open in Edmonton, which will take place from July 23 to 24. Today the PTO announced that it would be partnering with Do North Events, the company that has put on the World Triathlon events in Edmonton for over 20 years, to put on the race.
Tomorrow the organizers will be hosting a press conference that will include two of Canada’s top long-distance triathletes – Lionel Sanders and Paula Findlay. In 2019 Sanders and Findlay both won Challenge Daytona, with Findlay winning in Daytona again a year later when she took the PTO 2020 Championship.
“Do North Events is excited to partner with PTO to deliver the first-ever PTO Canadian Open,” says Stephen Bourdeau, Do North Events’ General Manager. ‘Triathlon has been a signature sport in our city for over 20 years, and this summer fans will see some new names on the pro circuit along with familiar faces like our very own Olympian, Paula Findlay. An exciting new course for professional and age group athletes will be sure to make it a thrilling weekend of racing. Thank you to all of our partners who helped make this happen including the City of Edmonton, Explore Edmonton and the athletes and staff at the PTO.”
While both Sanders and Findlay can expect lots of support from the Canadian crowds, Findlay, who is from Edmonton, will no-doubt be a crowd favorite.
“It is great to have the inaugural PTO Canadian Open in my hometown of Edmonton,” Findlay says. “I am very excited for Triathlon to entertain new and existing fans and it’s a fantastic opportunity for Professional Triathletes to raise their profile through global TV coverage and win some meaningful prize money. The PTO is showing that by having professional Triathletes working together and having an equal interest in the success of the Tour events like the PTO Canadian Open, the sport can continue to gain in popularity and reach new audiences.”
The 100 km race (2 km swim, 80 km bike and 18 km run) will offer a $1 million prize purse and live television coverage. The race will also feature age group racing and a new course “in the heart of Edmonton’s unique River Valley. Part of the popularity of the long-running Edmonton World Triathlon events were the easy access to flights into Edmonton International Airport and The Canadian Rockies.
Triathlon Today will be on hand for tomorrow’s press conference and will pass on more details on the new PTO Canadian Open right afterwards.
