2003 MADEIRA ITU WORLD CUP ITU President's Message

Greetings and welcome to the Island of Madeira, Funchal, the delightful capital city is closer to Morocco than Portugal, and sits on the same latitude as Bermuda across the Atlantic. This years World Cup is important for valuable world points towards Athens 2004, and qualification for the World Championships in Queenstown - December. The World Cup organizer - Lourenzo Viveiros, a native of Madeira, has carefully established the World Championships in his hometown for May of next year - an event which will have enormous importance as the Athens qualifier. The Madeira World Cup is an example of the direction ITU is moving, thanks to the input of our athletes, officials, and the National Federations - it is "Hot and Hilly." It also enjoys a cultured ambience, away from the trouble and strife of big industrial cities with their noise and pollution. Time tends to stand still on this idyllic Oceanic Isle - but not the time on the swim-bike-run. Keep your eyes on the up and coming Portuguese heroine Vanessa Fernandes, she could surprise us all. In the men? I'd put my money on the modern El Cordobes out of Spain - Ivan Rana. To the athletes - try the Madeira wine - one sip only, Regards, Les McDonald, ITU President