Media Release - June 11, 2003

Gamagori, Japan Next Stop on ITU World Cup Circuit

The world’s best triathletes are now assembling in Gamagori, Japan for the long running Gamagori ITU Triathlon World Cup. Established in 1995, in the dramatic speed boat racing venue with stadium seating for 20,000, the Japanese spectators will not be disappointed with the quality of field at the 2003 event.

In the men’s event the Australians who continue to top the rankings; Chris Hill and Greg Bennett will be back in action. Chris continues to dominate, having just won last weekend’s Tongyeong ITU World Cup. However, Greg was the winner on this course in 2002. Dimitiry Gaag (KAZ) and Kris Gemmel (NZL) are also looking strong at this point in the season – Kris was second in Tongyeong last weekend, while Dimitiry recently won the Subic Bay ITU International race. Hamish Carter (NZL) and Peter Robertson (AUS), also currently ranked in the top ten, will be vying for a podium position.

In the women’s event Laura Reback (USA) is the woman to watch. Laura had her first ever World Cup victory on this course in 2001, she is currently ranked second in the ITU rankings and she could make it a third World Cup win in a row, following her victory last weekend in Tongyeong and a win in the St. Anthony’s ITU World Cup event earlier this month. Sharon Donnelly (CAN), currently ranked #7, is always a consistent competitor but will be looking for a strong finish in Gamagori. Michelle Dillon (GBR) is also a strong contender for a podium position, coming off a win in the Swansea ITU International Race last weekend as is Liz Blatchford (AUS) who posted a second place finish in Tongyeong last weekend. An upcoming woman to watch is Australia’s Emma Snowsill – Emma was third in Tongyeong last weekend and will be celebrating her 22nd birthday on the day of the Gamagori event. The Japanese fans will be cheering home country favorites Machiko Nakanishi, world ranked #18 and run specialist Akiko Sekine, world ranked #25.

The ITU Vice President, Mr. Chihara Igaya, IOC Member and Olympic Medallist will be in attendance – as will her highness the princess Hisako Takamado, an enthusiastic supporter of Triathlon and it’s Olympic dream.

Live coverage begins on www.triathlon.org at 12:00 pm local time; 3:00 am GMT

For access to high resolution photos following the event please contact lisa@triathlon.org

For More Information Please Contact:

ITU Headquarters: ituhdq@triathlon.org

Phone: 1.604.926-7250

Fax:1.604.926-7260