Milton Keynes to host the first TriStar event in Great Britain

The inaugural TriStar Milton Keynes will be held on the 29th July, just 10 days before the Olympic triathlon at London 2012. Milton Keynes is located only 80km from London and is a centrally located cosmopolitan city well connected by road, rail and air. The UK event is the perfect compliment for this international triathlon series, taking it to the popular British triathlon market, and provides athletes with the opportunity to enjoy a new fun destination in the heart of England. Tristar Milton Keynes will host a TriStar111 and a TriStar33.3, ideal for beginners and experienced triathletes who can now enjoy the new spirit of this well known fun format which offers an easy recovery for the athletes. Milton Keynes is one of a handful of new destinations being introduced to the ever popular TriStar Series in 2012, which recently announced TriStar Salzkammergut, TriStar Cannes, TriStar Deauville and TriStar Berlin.

Milton Keynes is centrally located in the south east of England, less than an hour’s journey from London, and will be the first host city for a TriStar event in the UK. The TriStar111 Milton Keynes (1km swim, 100km cycle and 10km run) is the premiere of this international triathlon series in England. It is being jointly organized by Star Events and Big Cow Events, who have a great track record in developing British triathlon and hosting high quality sports events. Milton Keynes is a city with an important cultural life, and was designed under a new concept of modern city planning boasting all the latest amenities and attractions for both residents and visitors alike. 2012 will be an iconic year in the British sports calendar with England and London hosting the Olympics and the Tristar Milton Keynes coincides perfectly with the Olympic games taking place just 10 days before the Olympic Triathlon at Hyde Park London. A perfect opportunity for sightseeing and enjoying the sport as both a spectator and taking part as an athlete. In addition to the 111 distance the event will also offer a TriStar 33.3 ideal for beginners and novices thanks to its shorter distance of 300m swim, 30km cycle and 3km run.

Tristar Milton Keynes will take place at the picturesque Emberton Country Park. The run course itself loops around the whole country park including the attractive conservation area. It’s a fast flat course and ideal for spectators and families alike who will be close to the action and see all the athletes pass on each lap of the run course. The cycle route covers 3 loops of undulating country roads and circumnavigates a number of pretty villages including Weston Underwood where famous poet William Cowper (1786) once wrote ‘it’s one of the prettiest villages in the kingdom’. Whilst the picturesque scenery may provide a pleasant distraction to the athletes fatigued body, the steady but steep incline up Chichley hill will get the heart rate going! The swim itself will take place in the lake at Emberton Country Park as a single loop.

“Star Events is thrilled to be launching the successful triathlon brand TriStar in the UK. Our unique format will provide a great opportunity for both British, European and International triathletes to come and race in the great landscape of Milton Keynes and it’s surrounding countryside. The UK is a very important market for us especially with the 2012 Olympic Games around the corner” says Laurent Gauthier, president of Star Production SARL, owner of the TriStar brand.

“We at Big Cow Events are pleased to be hosting the first TriStar Event in Great Britain together with Star Events. TriStar is synonymous with high quality events and being such an innovative (111) format, I am sure that the British triathlon community will pick this up very well. Milton Keynes and the Emberton Country Park is perfect central location and starting point to introduce the TriStar brand in England”, says Mark Booth, race director of TriStar Milton Keynes and Big Cow Events.

Further information on www.tristarmiltonkeynes.com