ITU Sport Development Programme hits 10th year.

The ITU is accepting applications for the 2015 Team ITU for 2016 Olympic hopefuls. The team will offer support and resources to a maximum of eight athletes from emerging National Federations who meet the criteria. This is the tenth year of the ITU’s development programme which has helped more than 60 athletes of which 18 went on to compete in an Olympic Games and one earned an Olympic medal. Emerging Federations can nominate up to two males and two females for the team.

Athletes will have the chance to work with an internationally renowned triathlon coach at the Chengdu, Huatulco, Tiszaujvaros and Alanya ITU World Cup races. In addition to coaching, accommodation, meals and a travel stipend for events, as well as a start at the World Cup races, ITU Development will also offer training camps.

ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado explains, “Not only will athletes have access to invaluable coaching resources and training sites, they will get to enjoy a team atmosphere for both training and competing.” She continues, “Often athletes from emerging National Federations attend races with no support staff or teammates, which can be intimidating. The camp environment eliminates that factor, allowing athletes to focus solely on racing their best.”

“Over the last few years I’ve seen a real growth in the athletes that take advantage of the opportunities that Team ITU provide for developing athletes,” said ITU Development Coach and Facilitator Mick Delamotte.

An additional aim of the development programme is to increase the number of coaches from emerging National Federations and to help  them gain experience getting athletes to the World Cup level.

from www.triathlon.org