Triathlon fever hits Leeside

Both elite and aspiring athletes will descend upon Leeside this weekend as Cork city sets the stage for the 2024 Europe Triathlon Cup.

Triathlon Ireland recently announced that Cork City Triathlon will be the stage for the 2024 Europe Triathlon Cup.

The gruelling event will take place this Saturday and Sunday and will mark a significant moment in Irish triathlon history.

More than 1,000 athletes are expected to descend on Cork city over the two days, with the Youth Series races expected to be the largest field to date.

More than 20 different nations will be represented in the elite race, amongst them, Olympian Russell White who represented Ireland in the Tokyo Olympics.

The race will begin in the River Lee where athletes will navigate a swim course before transitioning onto their bikes for a route consisting of five 4km laps taking place against the picturesque waterfront setting of Marina Park. The flat but technical bike course offers spectators a chance to follow the race at multiple points. The running section will take place close to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Speaking on the announcement, Gordon Crawford, Triathlon Ireland Performance Director, said: “A Europe Triathlon Cup race in the heart of Cork city will play a massive role in the development of triathlon in Ireland and key to this is the connection between our elite athletes, our triathlon clubs and wider triathlon community.”

Race Director Paul Mooney added: “Cork city is so accessible by road, rail, sea, and air making the location for a triathlon idyllic.

“One thing Corkonians have in common is a love for their city, we are extremely proud of what we have to offer. It is a city location, with the swim being a wide-open river, a flat and fast yet technical bike course, and a run that passes through and finishes near Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, an iconic stadium for many.”

Shane Califf, Director of Sport Ireland, acknowledged that “Triathlon Ireland and its affiliates have an extensive record of delivering high quality races in beautiful, scenic locations. In bringing elite and youth races to Ireland, Triathlon Ireland is delivering against its strategic vision for inclusion, youth development and high performance.”

This weekend, Cork City Triathlon is inviting athletes, families, and sports enthusiasts to experience the excitement of triathlon in Cork city.