20 May

London/Edmonton: The Professional Triathletes Organisation today announced Canadian triathlon royalty, Lisa Bentley and Simon Whitfield, as official event hosts for the first ever PTO Canadian Open, taking place in Edmonton on 22-24 July.

Between them, Bentley and Whitefield have won pretty much every honour the sport has to offer. Lisa is an 11-time IRONMAN® Champion and Simon a double Olympic champion, amongst a plethora of other achievements and accolades.

Speaking on her appointment, Bentley said:

“I leapt at the chance to be a host for the PTO Canadian Open – or official cheerleader, as I like to call it. It’s such a big deal for the first ever PTO Open event to be staged in Canada. Having seen first-hand the impact of World Triathlon Championships being hosted in Vancouver, Edmonton and Muskoka over the years, I know what a positive catalyst they can be to grow the sport, encourage the next generation, but also engage the local community. I can’t wait to welcome the world to Edmonton.”

Last year, the two were named as the first ever captains for Team International at the inaugural $1M Collins Cup, the Ryder Cup-style event introduced by the PTO in 2021 as part of a new series of high profile, high prize money, global events designed to take professional triathlon to the next level.

This time around, they will be tasked with official hosting duties that will include: ensuring the age group athletes have a great build-up and then best-in-class race day experience; engaging stakeholders such as corporate sponsors and VIP receptions to elevate those programmes; and leading working sessions on triathlon development in the community.

PTO CEO Sam Renouf was clear on the value the two will add:

“Lisa and Simon have done so much for triathlon. Not just in Canada but around the world, through their careers, victories and inspirational stories. Which makes them the ideal ‘dynamic duo’ to play energetic and welcoming hosts to this new event.”
Looking forward to his involvement, Whitfield said:

“Being the captain of the International Team at the Collins Cup last year gave me a real taste of what the PTO is trying to do to elevate and grow our wonderful sport. Like Lisa, I feel privileged that the first PTO Open event will be held on our home turf and am convinced that Edmonton will do the country proud. Bring it on.”

The PTO Canadian Open kicks off the new PTO Tour and will be followed this year by the second edition of the Collins Cup (20-21 August) and then the first PTO US Open (17-18 September). In 2023 and 2024, the PTO Tour will expand further with the PTO European Open and the PTO Asian Open. Each Open event carrying a minimum prize purse of $1M and raced over 100km (2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run).

For further information, contact:

Do North Events
Lindsay Harrison E: [email protected]

Professional Triathletes Organisation
Jane Hansom E: [email protected]
Anthony Scammell E: [email protected]