The Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO) has partnered with event organiser, Do North Events and the city of Edmonton, to deliver the inaugural PTO Canadian Open on 23-24 July in Edmonton, Canada.
The PTO Canadian Open is the inaugural race of the PTO Tour. This also includes the PTO US Open, PTO Asian Open, PTO European Open and The Collins Cup. According to PTO, the new series will see ‘the world’s greatest non-drafting professional male and female triathletes competing for a prize purse of US$1,000,000 per event.’
Both professional and age-group athletes will have the chance to race a new course, in the heart of Edmonton’s River Valley. The professional men’s race and women’s race, each a 100km distance (2km swim, 80km bike leg and a 18km run) will run alongside age group racing, giving amateurs an opportunity to meet and race alongside the professionals, seen as a hallmark of the sport of triathlon.
‘The PTO Canadian Open will have world class TV production broadcast live to a global audience and high-quality shoulder programming showcasing the stories of the PTO Professionals, including local stars Lionel Sanders and Paula Findlay.’
Stephen Bourdeau, General Manager at Do North Events, said “Do North Events is excited to partner with PTO to deliver the first-ever PTO Canadian Open. Triathlon has been a signature sport in our city for over 20 years, and this summer fans will see some new names on the pro circuit along with familiar faces like our very own Olympian, Paula Findlay.
“An exciting new course for professional and age group athletes will be sure to make it a thrilling weekend of racing. Thank you to all of our partners who helped make this happen including the City of Edmonton, Explore Edmonton and the athletes and staff at the PTO.”
Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, said “We are delighted to partner with Do North Events and The City of Edmonton. With over 20 years of experience organising major international events, Do North Events (formerly World Triathlon Series Edmonton) has the knowledge, passion and expertise to deliver an outstanding inaugural PTO Canadian Open in a city that has a long history of celebrating this incredible sport and its superhuman athletes.”
Paula Findlay, Canadian Professional and PTO Board Member, added “It is great to have the inaugural PTO Canadian Open in my hometown of Edmonton. I am very excited for triathlon to entertain new and existing fans; and it’s a fantastic opportunity for professional triathletes to raise their profile through global TV coverage and win some meaningful prize money.
“The PTO is showing that by having professional triathletes working together and having an equal interest in the success of the tour events like the PTO Canadian Open, the sport can continue to gain in popularity and reach new audiences.”
Cindy Medynski, Event Attraction Manager at Explore Edmonton, said ”Edmonton has such a rich history of hosting triathlons; it couldn’t be more exciting to bring in a fresh new triathlon product this summer. New athletes, a new course to showcase the city and of course the return of hometown star triathlete Paula Findlay. In a time when people are excited to see a return of sporting events of all kinds, the PTO Canadian Open is sure to be a hit, and we at Explore Edmonton are so proud to bring it here.”
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