in Memory of Caroline Kearney

The organisers of triAthlone would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Caroline Kearney. The following memorial published on the International Triathlon Unions (ITU) website underlines Ireland's loss, and that of our sport. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.

In memory of Caroline Kearney - June 30, 2006 - www.triathlon.org

Triathlon mourns the passing of one of it's children as Caroline Kearney was tragically killed in a training accident in France. Caroline was a lovely person, shy and unassuming and always nice to everyone she met. A dedicated and talented athlete, she followed in her mother’s footsteps to become one of Ireland’s leading Triathletes. She won the title of Irish Champion 3 years in a row and went on to represent Ireland on the ITU circuit. She was very focussed on her career as a professional athlete and her main ambition was to become the first female Irish Triathlete to compete in the Olympic Games. To this end she began training in France with the Montpellier club and she showed every sign that she had what it takes to be a champion. It was while training that a car took her life, she was only 24 when her life was so cruelly snatched away. For everybody who met Caroline it was an honour and a privilege to know her as both a friend and an athlete. She had a winners attitude, determination, and perseverance so essential as a professional athlete. As a person she was kind, gentle and modest and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Everybody in the triathlon family will miss her greatly and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family. Caroline and her family will be remembered in our thoughts and hearts.

RACE FULL - Entries Now Closed!

triAthlone 2006 closed for entries at 3pm this afternoon. Race list will be published on Monday.

Ministerial Launch - triAthlone's bid for the European & World Championships!

"Teeing off triAthlone with Minister O'Donoghue and the Ryder Cup"
Pictured from left to right: Liam Heavin (CEO - triAthlone), Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism John O'Donoghue, Martin Dennaney (Director of Marketing & Communications - Waterways Ireland), and Paul Keeley (Marketing Director - Fáilte Ireland).

Yesterday marked one of the biggest days in the history of Irish sports events. Minister for Sport, Mr. John O'Donoghue was present to offically launch the Ryder Cup at Custom House Quay, and simultaneously launch triAthlone's bid to host the European and World Triathlon Championships.

Speaking to TV3 News, triAthlone CEO Liam Heavin said "we feel that we have all the components needing to bring one of the world's biggest sporting spectaculars to Ireland. Being here today at the Ryder Cup launch, and to launch our bid with Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Minister O'Donoghue just shows what can be done. Athlone is the perfect setting for these events as we scale up; year on year to our eventual goal of an annual world-class event."

Click here to download the offical press release

ENTRIES ALMOST FULL - CLOSES FRIDAY!

triAthlone is pleased to announce that the field is almost complete. Race Entry will officially close at 3.00pm this Friday the 30th of June. So if you know anyone who is considering entering, please get them to do so now. There will be no exceptions after Friday at 3!

Race Registration Change

Race registration will take place in the historical Athlone Castle. Please note that race registration will open from 12.00 mid-day on Saturday July 8th only. Race Registration will close at 3.30pm for Classic/Relay Teams, and at 4.30pm for Elites. Due to an issue with the availability of timing chips, Friday regsitration is cancelled.

2 WEEKS TO GO! - the countdown begins....

The countdown to triAthlone 2006 has well and truly begun, with the event now only 2 weeks away. The offical local-media launch took place yesterday beside the town bridge. Pictured above (left to right) are Local Senator Mary O'Rourke who got the 2-week countdown underway with the assistance of Athlone Mayor Kieran Malloy, Liam Heavin (Head of triAthlone), and Aoife Morrissy (Waterways Ireland).

The town awaits with eager anticipation....

Price of Wales Hotel -Special Offer!

The Prince of Wales Hotel in heart of Athlone; the official Hotel and Meeting Place of triAthlone 2006, and site of our post-race party, is offering a special room-rate to all triAthlone compeditors. Why not make a weekend of it and spend the weekend in Athlone! We promise you a warm welcome, and all the best that the town has to offer. For more information or to avail of the special offer phone the Prince of Wales Hotel today, quoting "triAthlone". Their phone number is 09064-76666.

2006 Bike Sponsors Confirmed!

triAthlone is pleased to announce that Athlone Town Centre (Gallico), and Cycle Superstore (Dublin) are to jointly sponsor the bike section of the 2006 race.

More information on both companies is available on:
Athlone Town Centre: www.athlonetowncentre.com
Cycle Superstore: www.cyclesuperstore.ie

CLASSIC/RELAY BIKE COURSE

MAP OF START-TRANS-FINISH!

Athlete Pack v1.1 NOW AVAILABLE!

Click here to download the Athlete Info pack in Adobe PDF format

Premier race start list, Prize money and other news

With a month to go, preparations are stepping up for the Waterways Ireland Tri-Athlone.
We have had a great response locally to the event and this is reflected in the face that we
have now passed over the 400 entry mark.

We are capping the race at 500, relays included, so there is still some space left at the moment.
There is likely to be a rush of late entries however so just be careful if you havent made your mind up.
You can enter online through our website www.triathlone.com

The elite mens race has over 20 entries (published below). We will CLOSE the first preference entry for
Premier League athletes on the 12th June, so the race will be open to those eligibile on a first come first serve basis.
Remember, you must be able to swim around 13mins for the 750 or you risk being disqualified on the day.

We are delighted to announce that Irelands Top Triathlete, Gavin Noble who finished 15th in the commonwealth games and 12th in the world U23 championships will be racing. There are a number of top irish athletes including premier league champion, Brian Crinnion also competing.

Mens Entry List/Request to Entry list
-------------------------------
Aidan Murphy
Alan Maye
Aubrey Storey
Basil Henrick
Brian Crinion

Brian Jenkins
Bryce Irvine
Cathal Kelly
Conor McKenna
Dave Corcoran
Darren Crangton
Davis Sands
Edward Cooke
Fearghal Mulvihill
Gavin Noble
John Power
Kevin O Brien
Paul Wilson
Scott Hannon
Stuart Hannon
Tim Downing

However, we face a major problem with the womens event. To date there are only 4 entries. It will be very difficult for us to justify to the local community shutting down the town of athlone for a race of this size. We need more women or else this race will be cancelled. However we promise that all women will get automatic entry into the classic race at no extra charge, should this happen.

We are also delighted to announce that the prize fund will top over 5000€
Elite prize money will go from 1st to 10th.
All age groups 1st, 2nd, 3rd, will receive prizes.

We also have a number of course record Primes totaling 600€

100 fastest swim split
100 fastest bike split (both courses)
100 Fastest Run split
200 Course record

The prince of Wales are holding a summer party to coincide with our event. All athletes and race crew will be
given free passes to this event. So we encourage people to stay around for the night.

Over the next few weeks, a full event timetable, access, registration and parking information as well as both race briefings will be added to the website

www.triathlone.com

We also have a few surprises lined up.....

See you all soon.

Tri-Athlone