London, 23 February 2003: For immediate Release: BBC Worldwide, the commercial consumer arm of the BBC, and the International Triathlon Union (ITU) have signed a deal, in which, for the first time, BBC Worldwide will have full international television distribution rights for all ITU events, including the Triathlon World Cup and Triathlon World Championships. Each year, BBC Worldwide will distribute a total of 16 x 52 minute edited highlight programmes from competitions held all over the world - including Europe, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Live coverage will also be available to broadcasters from some of the venues, including the World Championships, which will take place in New Zealand in December 2003.

BBC Worldwide's Sport Sales Manager, Richard Hornsby-Smith, says, "The Triathlon produced some of the most memorable images of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is one of the fastest-growing modern sports. Adding such a prestigious property to our catalogue is very exciting for us and underlines BBC Worldwide's commitment to expanding our sports programming portfolio. We are looking forward to a fruitful relationship with the ITU."Les

McDonald, President of the ITU adds, "Although the Triathlon is still in its infancy, to have thought 10 years ago that we would have BBC Worldwide acting as our distribution agency would have been an impossible dream. We have begun the task of bringing Triathlon to the home of sport spectators, and with the help of BBC Worldwide, the future looks brilliant."

Under the terms of the new agreement, the ITU will retain the international broadcast distribution rights for Africa, Asia and Latin America.

For further information contact: Lisa Ogilvie, ITU Media Manager (1 604) 926 7250 or e-mail: lisa@triathlon.org
Rachael Booth on +44 208 433 2634 or email rachael.booth@bbc.co.uk

BBC Worldwide press releases are available online at www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/commercial.
Notes to editors:BBC Worldwide Limited is the commercial consumer arm, and a wholly owned subsidiary, of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company was formed in 1994 to develop co-ordinated approach to the BBC's commercial activities: television, channels, publishing, product licensing, Internet and interactive. BBC Worldwide exists to maximise the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence payer, and re-invest in public service programming. In 2001/2002 BBC Worldwide returned £106 million to the BBC.Other leading sports events distributed by BBC Worldwide include The London Marathon, The Grand National, Royal Ascot, The University Boat Race and the Rugby League Challenge Cup.

The International Triathlon Union was established in 1989 and within 7 years the sport was awarded full medal status on the Olympic programme. Recognised by the International Olympic Association, the ITU is a member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). Triathletes must swim 1500m, then cycle 40km and finally run 10km to complete each race. The sport of triathlon is with good reason, considered one of the most gruelling international sports.

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