New Super Sprint Series Aimed At Developing Aspiring Pros

USAT and Rev 3 are set to open a super sprint series beginning with the Rev 3 Rush on the Richmond International Raceway May 24-25, 2014. Athletes will compete for a $5000 prize purse.

Launched in 2013, the USA Triathlon Super Sprint Series is a fast, spectator-friendly event. Athletes aged 16 to 25 with aims of earning an elite license will have the opportunity compete in a USA Triathlon Elite Development Race (EDR) against current elite triathletes for the prize purse split evenly between the men’s and women’s fields.

In Richmond, elite and development competitors will first race in a qualifying round on Saturday, May 24. Each athlete will swim 250 m, ride five miles and run 1.5 miles. The swim will take place in two 25 meter portable pools in the raceway infield, with the bike course circling the race track and the run circling the infield.

The top 30 athletes (15 men, 15 women) will qualify for a spot in the finals, which are set for Sunday, May 25. The finals will feature two continuous circuits of the 250m swim, five mile bike, 1.5 mile run course. The top-five finishers of each gender will earn a share of the prize purse. Additionally, top amateur finishers in the EDR may qualify for USA Triathlon elite licenses based on the size of the field.

“We are thrilled to continue the USA Triathlon Super Sprint Series for a second year, introducing this fast-paced and exciting format to new audiences across the United States,” said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO. “The setup of Rev3 Rush will allow spectators to be close to the action, and with a weekend of race options available to age-group athletes, the atmosphere will be unmatched.”

“This format and distance is where the professional racing is headed, and to be able to offer this experience to the younger up-and-coming elites is a great thing,” said Charlie Patten, President of Rev3. “These young athletes will have a chance to race here in the U.S., in an arena filled with triathlon enthusiasts. I can’t think of a better, more positive experience to grow this level of the sport.”