FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28th April 2022

LONDON: The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) today announced the full schedule of racing and spectating activities for the combined Collins Cup and World Triathlon Multisport World Championships on 18th – 21st August 2022 in Samorin, near Bratislava, Slovakia. 

The 4-day festival delivers an age-group triathlon extravaganza as well as the opportunity to see the world’s best 36 athletes from Team Europe, Team US and Team Internationals race for victory in the Collins Cup – the game-changing new race format for triathlon – under the guidance of the sports legendary team captains. Age-group athletes also have the chance to race at the same venue as the world’s greatest athletes, on closed courses the day after the record $1.5m professional races allowing for sporting fans to experience world class racing, both as participant and spectator:

Thursday August 18th 

• World Triathlon Aquathlon Championship – (1km swim, 5km run). 
• The Collins Cup Opening Ceremony – Find out which athletes the Collins Cup Captains select to battle for glory,  live on stage,  and broadcast around the world.

Friday August 19th 

• Collins Cup Press Conference – See how the athletes react to their match selections and predictions. 
• PTO Tri Talks –  the Ted Talks of the Triathlon world. Hear the world’s best triathletes offer tips for success.

Saturday August 20th 

• The Collins Cup Professional Race – (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run).  36 of the best athletes in the world battle for glory, broadcast live around the world.
• The Collins Cup Champions Concert – a special live pop concert to celebrate the Collins Cup victors in style.

Sunday August 21st

• World Triathlon Long Distance World Championship and Aquabike Championship 
•  PTO Tour Open Age Group Race – (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run). 

The host venue is the incredible x-bionic®sphere sports resort which is the National Olympic Training centre for Slovakia and one of the most central and easily accessible locations in Europe – a mere 20 min drive from Bratislava International Airport which has direct connections from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Vienna International Airport is less than an hour’s drive and has over 140 direct connections, from Europe, and flights from the US, Canada, Mexico and the UAE. As well as a 5-star hotel, the complex includes a 50m, 8 lane and a 25m training pools, World Athletics standard athletics track, wellness centre, Olympic standard gymnasium and fitness centre. Situated on the banks of the historic river Danube, it has direct access to over 100km of quiet traffic-free roads for running and cycling. 

The PTO has worked hard to make age group racing as affordable as possible with no additional registration fees. Entry includes complimentary race photos as well as sustainable, premium merchandise including a finisher medal, technical t-shirt, race hat and bag. Registrants will also receive access to the Collins Cup opening ceremony, PTO Tri Talks and grandstand seating for the professional races. Finally, a specially designed refund policy is in place to allay fears of possible cancellation or potential non-attendance due the on-going Covid-19 pandemic. 

The weekend promises some spectacular Age Group race action across a variety of distances and athletes are encouraged to bring their friends and family to share the amazing festival experience. In addition to the Collins Cup Grandstand Viewing Experience with free seating and 3 big screens to watch the live action, there are a host of activities planned to keep athletes and their friends and family inspired and entertained including the World Triathlon Parade of Nations, Pasta Party, Collins Cup Fun Run, Collins Cup Champions Concert,  PTO Tri Talks and the PTO Tour Fan Zone featuring a Kids Zone, food trucks and other surprises. 

Alistair Brownlee, PTO Athlete Board Member said: “The inaugural Collins Cup in 2021 was a pivotal moment for the sport, with the highest prize purse in history and a groundbreaking made for TV format. In 2022, we are ready to take it to the next level by welcoming age group and aspiring World Champion athletes from around the globe to join us for what is set to be a 4-day multisport extravaganza”.

Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, stated: “The PTO is delighted to extend its support of Triathlon to participants around the world with the launch of age group racing at the Collins Cup. PTO professionals will have the chance to battle it out for the biggest prize purse the sport has ever seen while age-groupers will benefit from fair and transparent pricing, a covid-19 refund policy, a best in class age group experience and the unbridled excitement of brushing shoulders with the pros at this landmark event”.  

Marisol Casado, World Triathlon President and IOC Member, stated: ”We are extremely happy to see once more, not only the elite athletes, but also age groupers from all over the world competing at the maximum level. The venue, the organisers, the set up… I am convinced that the Collins Cup and World Triathlon Multisport World Championships in Samorin will be one to remember for ages“.

For those wanting to represent their national teams in either the world long distance or aquathlon championships, athletes should contact their national federation to confirm entry. If athletes want to race in the open wave for either the 100km event or relay, they don’t need to qualify but will need to move quickly to secure an entry at protriathletes.org/events/pto-tour/collins-cup/

Accommodation at the on-site hotel and airport transfers can be booked through our exclusive travel partner www.nirvanaeurope.com.

Media assets of various sizes are available and can be found here.

About the Professional Triathletes Organisation

The Professional Triathletes Organisation is a not-for-profit entity consisting of professional male and female triathletes who have come together to form a representative body which not only gives them a meaningful voice in the way the sport operates but a means to contribute to its growth for the benefit of the entire triathlon community. The PTO seeks to showcase the passion, talents, determination, struggles and achievements of its dedicated professionals through iconic events, reimagined broadcast and compelling storytelling, inspiring global sports fans to watch, engage and participate in triathlon.

Contact

Jane Hansom
Head of Communications
E: [email protected]
M: +44 (0) 7703 481 478