USAT President, Bob Wendling, Exclusive: USA Paratriathlon National Championships Heading to Austin

For the second consecutive year, the 2013 USA Paratriathlon National Championships are heading to Austin, Texas.

The event that will see the United States’ top paratriathletes compete alongside able-bodied runners, will take place on May 27, Memorial Day.

The race itself consists of a 750 meter swim, a 20 kilometres cycle and a 5 kilometre run.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, USA Triathlon (USAT) President Bob Wedling said: We experienced an extremely well-run USAT Paratriathlon National Championship in May at the Capital Texas Triathlon, both because of the strong and experienced race management and the support from the city of Austin.

“There was overwhelming sentiment from paratriathletes, our own USAT Paratriathlon Committee, and USAT staff to return in 2013.

“Because many of our paratriathletes are former military members, it does not go unnoticed that the event will be conducted on Memorial Day again and will be enhanced by other, military–related parasport functions that weekend.

“We look forward to providing another challenging event for our amazing paratriathletes as they compete for starting slots at the 2013 ITU World Championships in London.”

USAT Chief Executive, Rob Urbach said: “The Capital of Texas Triathlon and its staff did a fantastic job hosting the Paratriathlon Nationals this year and USA Triathlon looks forward to building on that success in 2013.

“Given the military backgrounds of many Paratriathletes, it is fitting to hold Paratriathlon Nationals on Memorial Day and we are proud to have this event be a key part of one of the nation’s pre-eminent race weekends.”

As the sports looks to make its debut at Rio 2016, many of the participants will have that particular destination in mind when going through those three gruelling disciplines.

Rick Margiotta of the Capital of Texas Triathlon added: “On behalf of our entire race organising committee, we are grateful that USA Triathlon chose to return to Austin and the CapTexTri for the 2013 USA Paratriathlon National Championships.

“The effort that was put forth to make this year’s Paratriathlon Nationals the best experience ever for the participating athletes was certainly worthwhile knowing that we’ll once again have the opportunity to be host to these amazing athletes.

“I know that the committee and the City of Austin will step up to the challenge of making the 2013 event another huge success.”

Matthew Payne, the Executive Director of the Austin Sports Commission, was also delighted to hear that the event was returning to his city.

“This event will be another opportunity to host inspiring athletes and showcase our dynamic city,” he said.

“We’re excited to see it come back again.”