Pro athletes launch the Professional Triathlon Union
A number of the top triathletes in the world have banded together to form the Professional Triathlon Union (PTU), a new global Union representing all professional non-drafting triathletes. The union aims “to improve the sport in its entirety to benefit Pro non-drafting triathletes and all stakeholders.”
The group was originally founded in 2014 by a board that included: Jodie Swallow, Rachel Joyce, Helle Frederiksen, Mirinda Carfrae, Meredith Kessler, Mary Beth Ellis, Angela Naeth, Sebastian Kienle, Pete Jacobs, Dirk Bockel, Dylan McNiece, Tim O’Donnell, James Cunnama, Andreas Dreitz and Scott DeFilippis. The current Executive Director is Rich Allen, a retired British Pro triathlete based in the US.
The PTU have been in conversations with the WTC, Challenge Family and the ITU to discuss working together in the future. The group says that Challenge Family and the ITU have been the most supportive but that the WTC have said that, “at this moment in time they are not ready to add any additional commitment and procedure to their professional athlete infrastructure.” The PTU is still hoping to building a strong connection with the WTC.
“Long distance triathlon has been a professional sport for over 30 years and while the amateur side has grown exponentially, it could be said that the professional arena hasn’t changed at all and if anything, has lost its footing and its aura. Imagine where the sport could be, not just the professional side of things, but the sport in its entirety, if a Professional Triathlon Union had been up and running for the last 30 years! Let’s not get 30 years down the track and imagine the same thing. It is time the professionals did their part to help grow this incredible sport of ours, for themselves and for all stakeholders”, said New Zealand Pro Dylan McNeice.
Helle Frederiksen said, “It is an honor to be a part of such a landmark initiative. I feel as a collective group, professional triathletes can aid the global development of the sport. We will be a powerful voice and a great asset to race organizations and the sport on a whole. We must strive to be recognized in all aspects of the sport and successfully achieving this will take time, but I’m confident that long term, membership numbers, recognition, productivity and value of the Professional Triathlon Union will be high.”
“I am delighted to be involved in this exciting endeavor, which is perhaps one of the greatest developments to ever take place in our sport. We look forward to addressing many issues in the professional sport, helping the sport grow in its entirety and building strong working relationships with all stakeholders”, said Executive Director Rich Allen.
For more information visit: protriunion.com
from press release