2005 Elite Teams' Selection Policies Announced

Friday, 18th February 2005

Selection policies are today posted for standard distance Elite Teams for the 2005 season. These include senior, under twenty-three, junior, and youth policies for European and World Championships, with a new policy in relation to World Cup entry to follow soon.

The policies usher in the new Olympic cycle and set the tone for the standard of performance anticipated for British Teams. "After a disappointing couple of years, we will be looking to restore our medal winning success, and challenging athletes to deliver performances consistently to the highest standard", said Performance Director Graeme Maw. "We have more athletes than ever competitive on the World Cup circuit, and will ask them to take the next step again to the international rostrum".

The comments reflect the recent announcements from UK Sport and its partners, that elite sports across the UK must more clearly target medals and those capable of delivering at the highest level.

Note: With several related dates yet to be confirmed (e.g. European Championships), the 2005 Selection Policies remain subject to some change. However, the initial entry point and principles for each age group sequence will be held as constant as possible (e.g. World Cup top 5s and the Windsor Triathlon will remain as entry point for Championship selection for elite seniors).

British Elite Teams for 2005 Standard Distance International Championships will be selected as follows, using the following guiding principles:

Teams goals are to win medals for Great Britain;
Athletes must be eligible to represent Great Britain under ITU rules and be members in good standing of British Triathlon at the time of selection;
Through the selection process, seniors and juniors will demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 20 of their respective Championships;
Through the selection process, U23s will demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 10 of their Championships;
All performances will be demonstrated through stipulated selection races, with no exceptions unless specified;
Selected athletes will obtain medical and performance clearance to compete to the standard that earned them selection, 2 weeks prior to Championships;
Selected athletes will not race in the 15 days prior to Championships, unless otherwise approved by the Performance Director;
Selected athletes will attend any designated Team camps or activities prior to Championships.
A Standard Distance Elite Teams Selection Committee of 3 members, including the Performance Director, will be appointed by British Triathlons Performance Committee, with jurisdiction throughout 2005.
Athletes have the right to appeal selections through British Triathlons Appeals Policy, available on request from the Chief Executive (normanbrook@britishtriathlon.org).

This article was published by kind permission of the BTA. For further details of Selection Policies follow this link http://www.britishtriathlon.org/index.php?pid=30633