World Triathlon Corporation Announces Expansion of the Ironman 70.3 Series

Friday, 24th March 2006

World Triathlon Corporation, owners of the Ironman brand, announces two new events to the Ironman 70.3 Series in Australia and Switzerland.

The events will serve as qualifiers for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place in Clearwater, FL on November 10. The Ironman 70.3 Series now includes more than 17 events worldwide.

IMG, one of the world's leading sports marketing agencies, introduces Australia Ironman 70.3. The first Australia Ironman 70.3 event will be held on November 5, 2006 in Port Macquarie, also home to the Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon. 

"Australia has been a leader in promoting the sport of triathlon with our decade-long series of events. We believe it is important for Australian athletes to have the opportunity to qualify for the new Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 in their home country," said Ken Baggs, coordinator for the Australian Half Ironman Series.  The event will include 75 slots to the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 and 250 slots to the 2007 Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon.

Switzerland will also play host to an Ironman 70.3 Series' event. BK Sportpromotion, organizer of Ironman Switzerland, will manage the Switzerland Ironman 70.3, taking place on June 3, 2007. The event will be held in Rapperswil-Jona, currently two separate cities that will become one on June 1, 2006. The event will include 100 qualifying spots for the second annual Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3. Walter Domeisen, President of Rapperswil and Benedikt Wurth, President of Jona, jointly comment on the new event, "Switzerland Ironman 70.3 will not only suit the lovely countryside of the Upper Lakes but also the politics of our town. The towns of Rapperswil-Jona are ready to support the international sports event with the current infrastructure and additional services."

Press Release: Ironmanlive.com 24 March 2006.