USAT Super Sprint Series returns to Las Vegas with increased prize money

The super sprint format is on the rise. As with the Mixed Relay at the Commonwealth Games and the push to get that format into the Olympics, there has been an increase in the popularity of the shorter, faster triathlon race format.

USA Triathlon and KANGA Productions announce the return of the USAT Super Sprint Series to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Thursday, Sept. 11. The event, officially designated as the 2014 USA Triathlon Elite Sprint National Championships, offers $70,000 in prize money to top elite triathletes spectator-friendly format.

Athletes will complete two continuous, non-stop circuits of the same course, including a 300m pool swim, 8km bike and 2.5km run. Qualifying heats will be held throughout the morning, with finals set to begin at 6 p.m. PT. Universal Sports Network will televise the event on Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. ET. The invitation-only elite field, consists of 30 men and 30 women, will compete for a total of $70,000 in prize money, more than double the amount awarded at this event in 2013. A $62,500 prize purse will be shared equally between the overall men’s and women’s fields, with the winners earning $10,000. The top 15 finishers will earn a portion of the overall prize purse. Additionally, $7,500 will be shared among the top three U.S. men and women for the Elite Sprint Nationals podium.

“Las Vegas was an ideal location for the USA Triathlon Super Sprint Series last fall, and we’re ecstatic to bring this event back to Las Vegas again this year,” said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO. “Spectators will see the best draft-legal talent competing under lights near the strip at night, due in part to the prize money we’re able to offer the field. This is a must-see event for all.”

This is the second consecutive year that the USA Triathlon Super Sprint Series is contested in Las Vegas. The race will take place during Interbike, the largest annual cycling trade show in North America. In 2013, Gwen Jorgensen, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, captured victory at the Las Vegas event, while Australian Peter Kerr won the overall men’s title.

To be eligible for invitation, athletes must be a current USA Triathlon elite license holder or an international professional. A minimum of 50 percent of the field will be reserved for U.S. athletes, providing an opportunity for the nation’s emerging and Olympic-level triathletes to enhance draft-legal cycling skills and race tactics.