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2013 Beijing International Triathlon attracts top Pros

The race goes Saturday September 21.

IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, in partnership with the Fengtai Sports Bureau of Beijing, announced the impressive pro field for the 2013 Beijing International Triathlon taking place on Saturday, September 21, at Qing Long Lake Park, in the Fengtai District of Beijing, China. 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist Javier Gomez and 2012 Olympian and 2012 Beijing International Triathlon Champion Sarah Groff lead an all-star field of pros set to compete in this Olympic distance race for $100,000 in prize money.

“Following last year’s overwhelming success with the first ever Beijing International Triathlon, we set out to expand the already strong pro-field for the second annual race,” said IMG Senior Vice President James Leitz. “We are thrilled to have attracted several pros that competed in the 2012 London Olympic Games, as well as other top triathletes including Matt Reed, Graham O’Grady, Ricarda Lisk and more. This strong, international field will make for thrilling competition from start to finish.”

Professional triathletes set to participate in the 2013 Beijing International Triathlon to date include:

Men:

Faquan Bai (China)

Greg Bennett (Australia)

Brian Fleischmann (United States of America)

Javier Gomez Noya (Spain)

Graham O’Grady (New Zealand)

Matt Reed (United States of America)

Women:

Laura Bennett (United States of America)

Erin Densham (Australia)

Sarah Groff (United States of America)

Becky Lavelle (United States of America)

Joanna Lawn (New Zealand)

Jenna Parker (United States of America)

Ricarda Lisk (Germany)

Lisa Norden (Sweden)

Yi Zhang (China)

“Beijing is one of the greatest places I have ever raced and I’m lucky to be able to travel to incredible destinations like Beijing to compete as a professional triathlete,” said 2012 Olympian and Beijing International Triathlon Champion Sarah Groff. “I’m thrilled to return to Fengtai district of Beijing again this year – it’s a great location for this challenging race with amazing volunteers and warm, hospitable fans.”

The 2013 Beijing International Triathlon is part of the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon Series, and the only qualifying event in Asia for the iconic Escape from Alcatraz™ Triathlon. Coveted race slots for the infamous and grueling 2014 Escape from Alcatraz™ Triathlon will be awarded to the top 50 men and women across each group and division of this race.

The course will showcase the eco-friendly environment and cultural attractions in Fengtai including a 1.5 km swim in the heart of Qing Long Lake Park; a challenging 40 km bike race through quaint villages of Fengtai and up Qian Ling Mountain, the highest peak in Southwest Beijing; and a final 10 km run along stone paths, wooded trails and beautiful bridges showcasing the unique architecture of the area. This race will also be part of an intimate two-day, lifestyle sports expo.

The 2013 Beijing International Triathlon will take place on Saturday, September 21, at Qing Long Lake Park, in the Fengtai District of Beijing, China. The public is invited to watch the race at the start/finish line in Qing Long Lake Park, as well as attend the free race expo which will take place Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, in the park. The Nangong Spring Season Hotel is the official race hotel of the Beijing International Triathlon. Race registration is now open on the official event website www.beijinginternationaltriathlon.com. The Beijing International Triathlon is owned by the Fengtai Sports Bureau of Beijing and produced by IMG Worldwide. Interested participants are encouraged to register online early as space is limited. Follow the race at www.facebook.com/BeijingTri and www.twitter.com/Beijing_Tri.

About Fengtai

The Beijing International Triathlon will primarily take place within the Wang Zuo County, in the Fengtai District, with a history that dates back to 221 BC. With a population of 2.1 million, the Fengtai District is located in Southwest Beijing at the foot of the Western Hills, by the Yong Ding River. Dating back to the Liao and Jin Dynasties, the Fengtai District was the location of the Imperial City. Racers, family and friends visiting the area will be treated to several of China’s most famous sites including the 900 year old Lotus Pool; the Lu Gou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) that dates back 800 years and the Wan Ping Fortress from the 17th century.