—Initiative encourages Triathlon Canada members to #Triathathome #Triathalone—
VICTORIA—Triathlon Canada, in partnership with FulGaz, is giving Canadian triathletes the chance to head to the start line while distancing themselves from the competition. The two organizations have teamed up to start an online racing program that will begin with two new virtual cycling race series.
Triathlon Canada will also waive its 2020 membership fees to provide financial relief to its members in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is encouraging those who can to donate that portion of their annual fees to a local charity in need during these difficult times. The 2020 fees that have already been paid will be credited towards athletes’ 2021 memberships.
“As Canada’s spring weather beckons triathletes to train outdoors, we have partnered with FulGaz to begin a number of online race series in an effort to support global efforts to flatten the curve through social distancing while also providing our members the opportunity to stay on course – both by enjoying our sport and in respecting health recommendations,” said Kim Van Bruggen, chief executive officer, Triathlon Canada. “In order to make this initiative as accessible as possible to high-performance and recreational cycling enthusiasts, we’ll also be waiving the 2020 membership fees recognizing it is a difficult time for many.”
FulGaz is an indoor training app that provides cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to ride some of the most iconic roads in the world from the comfort of your home in stunning high-quality video imaging. It works with just about any indoor smart trainer, and adjusts video speed and resistance to match your effort. No smart trainer? A simple speed sensor will generate race results for you as well.
Triathlon Canada and FulGaz will begin the 2020 online race program by creating two, five-stage race cycling series. The Triathlon Canada World Series will run April 28 – May 10 taking athletes to the start line of the most renowned cycling courses on the planet including: Beach Road Complete in Australia; Lake Como to Bellagio in Italy; Alpe d’Huez in France; and Going to the Sun Road West in the United States before crowning the series winner at the top of Canada’s Axel Merckx Climb in British Columbia’s Okanagan region. Stages one through four will be open for three days each. Stage five will be open for 24 hours.
The World Series winners will be awarded their prizes on May 12.
Triathlon Canada will then launch a National Tour Series that takes participants on a five-stage race trek across the country from May 15-29. Virtual races will be held in Shelburne, N.S.; Mt. Tremblant to Lac Superior, Que.; 1000 Island Parkway in Ontario; a visit to Banff, Alta.; and finish up in Vancouver’s world-renowned Stanley Park on May 29. National Tour awards will be announced on June 1.
With the exception of Stage 5 in the World Series which will be open for 24 hours, athletes will have three days to complete each leg or stage, which should take approximately 60 minutes depending on skill level. Athletes can login at anytime within each window to complete their rides.
A live leaderboard will be created to track resuls. A digital “yellow” jersey will also be presented to the leader following each stage. Winners will also be awarded based on gender and age group.
“The FulGaz app brings more than 900 outdoor routes to athletes within the comfort of their homes,” said Mike Clucas, Founder, FulGaz, who added that athletes simply need a device to run the FulGaz app, a bike and smart trainer.
“While we all wish we were able to hit the start lines of iconic courses, these two race series will provide all participants with an experience that will resemble being phsycially on the course, while respecting physical distancing measures through this global pandemic.”
Joining the World Series and National Tour is simple.
Triathlon Canada Waives 2020 Membership Fees – Will Credit 2020 Membership Fees for 2021 Season
All participants will need to have an annual triathlon membership to participate in the online race series. To encourage participation amongst a broad group of athletes while promoting social distancing, Triathlon Canada is waving its portion of membership fees to not only access the online racing content, but also to receive all membership benefits.
A Triathlon Canada membership is included in the purchase of any provincial annual membership. If you have already purchased a 2020 membership, your $15 contribution to Triathlon Canada will be rolled over for next season.
Please register for your 2020 Triathlon Canada membership here, or
Please register for your 2020 Provincial Annual Membership here.
All participants will also need a FulGaz subscription. FulGaz is offering all Triathlon Canada members a FREE four-week trial. Following the opening-month trial and if you like what you see, FulGaz will then provide a 20 per cent discount for all montly or annual subscriptions for a limited time. The cost of full price subscriptions to FulGaz are:
Annual: $12.08/month ($144.99/year) Monthly: $16.99/month ($203.88/year) with your free Triathlon Canada membership, your prices would be approximately $9.66 or $13.59 per month.
For complete details on joining us online to #Triathlonathome #Triathalone, please visit https://www.triathloncanada.com/fulgaz/
ABOUT TRIATHLON CANADA
Triathlon Canada is the governing body of the sport in the country. Triathlon Canada’s more than 22,000 members include athletes, coaches and officials from the grassroots to elite levels. With the support of its valued corporate partners – 94 FORWARD, 2XU Canada, Training Peaks, Subaru Canada– along with the City of Victoria, Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Triathlon Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and World Champions in all race disciplines. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com.
*****
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chris Dornan
Triathlon Canada
T: 403-620-8731
E-mail: chris.dornan@triathloncanada.com