Digital magazines from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Series
Issue link: http://worldtriathlon.uberflip.com/i/258454
3 preFace · TriaThlon 2013 iTU PrESiDEnT MariSol CaSaDo Dear Triathletes, The 2013 ITU triathlon season was one of the most thrilling we've seen so far. The great rivalry between the Brownlee brothers and Javier Gomez added more chapters in the mens, while the women's season was punctuated with breakout after breakout performance leading to the closest grand final in series history, as just 13 points separated the top three. In London, it was Non Stanford that stole the show for her first World Champi- onship title in one of the most dramatic series finals, while the men's finish will long be remembered, as Javier just edged out Jonathan Brownlee in an epic sprint to claim his third ITU World Cham- pionship. The post-Olympic year is often used as a rebuilding year for many sports, but our incredible athletes made sure it was a year we won't soon forget. To the athletes, you never cease to amaze us. Beyond the World Triathlon Series, preparation for paratriathlon's debut into the Paralympic Games in 2016 was well underway with record participation at the 2013 world titles. This year also saw one of the most successful ITU Mixed Relay World Championships, with Germany victorious at home in Hamburg. The World Cup circuit is still an important development pathway, 13 new athletes won a World Cup event in 2013. This incredible year also would not have been possible without the support of so many people. A huge thank you to the local organising committees, host cities, race officials, and all of our commercial sponsors, without whom we wouldn't be where we are today. Thank you also to our executive board, ITU commissions and committees, National Federa- tions and the ITU Staff. In looking ahead, we should all be excited for the direction in which triathlon is headed. While participation in triathlon steadily increases every year, at ITU we accept the challenge of continuing to grow the sport further. So while the 2013 season has come to an end, another is just around the corner. We look forward to seeing you at an ITU race in 2014. Sincerely, Marisol Casado ITU President & IOC Member