1. Race Date: Only a four weeks to go now to Salford's second ITU World Cup, held over the very same course as last year's highly acclaimed event and also the successful Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.Race Director, John Lunt of Human Race Events and his vastly experienced team are now putting the finishing touches to the race organisation and the purpose of this bulletin is to give you the most up-to-date event information and to help you enjoy your visit to Manchester and The Quays.1. Event DetailsName: Countryside Properties Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup

Date: Sunday 25th July 2004
Venue: The Quays - one of Greater Manchester's most popular leisure and visitor destinations.
Prize Money: 70,000$ US
Services:

• Dedicated athlete and team officials transport to and fromManchester Airport and between the official hotel and venues.
• Free 'carbo' party at the 5 star Lowry Hotel.
• Free Post Event Party (drinks reception, music and meal) and prize giving at the magnificent Manchester Town Hall.
• Home stay options available
• A great course and a great crowd - guaranteed!  
  

2. Getting There: Getting to Manchester could not be easier. Manchester Airport is one of the world's top twenty international airports with direct flights to many of the world's major cities.

The airport is 20-30 minutes drive from both Manchester city centre and The Quays and dedicated transport will be provided between the airport and your hotel for both arrivals and departures.
If you require to be picked from the Airport please email: your date and time of arrival and your flight number by Tuesday 20 July at the latest to: Email: peter@sportserve.co.uk Fax: 44 (0)1943 603 723

Please note that if you don't tell us when you're arriving we won't be there to meet you! Should you arrive without prior notice there is regular public transport from the airport to Manchester city centre and then to The Quays. Just make your way to the railway station at the airport and buy a ticket for Manchester Piccadilly (cost approx £3/$5). Trains depart frequently and the travel time is approximately 20 minutes.On arrival at Manchester Piccadilly follow the signs for the Metrolink tram system, which operates from beneath the station concourse. You should buy a ticket for Exchange Quay and board a tram for Eccles (NOT Altrincham or Bury).Travel time on the tram is about 15 minutes and on leaving the tram the Copthorne Hotel is immediately opposite the station on the other side of a very busy main road.

Please be careful when crossing the road and remember that traffic will be driving on the left i.e. LOOK RIGHT FIRST!

3. The Official Hotel: The official hotel is the Copthorne Hotel. This is a 4 star hotel on The Quays and just ten minutes walk from the race start/finish.A special rate of £65 ($115 US) per room per night is available whether occupied by one or two people and this rate includes full English breakfast.TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION please contact tony.hill@mill-cop.com <mailto:tony.hill@mill-cop.com> and quote 'Salford Triathlon ITU World Cup'.

Please note that:
Single room means a room with one bed for one person
Twin room means a room with two beds, each for one person
Double room means a room with one bed for two people

4. The Programme:

Thursday 22 July
12:00pm: Athlete Information Desk opens at Copthorne Hotel

Friday 23 July
10.00am - 12.00pm: Open water swim training/familiarisation at The Quays
10:00am - 12:00pm: Swim training in dedicated 50m pool at Manchester Aquatic Centre. Book your transport at the Athlete Information Desk at the Copthorne Hotel.
4.00pm: Athlete Briefing at The Lowry on The Quays (NOT The Lowry Hotel).
5:00pm: Pontoon Draw at The Lowry
7:45pm: Welcome Reception (Pasta Party) at the 5 star Lowry Hotel in Manchester city centre. Coaches depart the Copthorne Hotel at 7.15pm and return from 9:00pm (travel time approx. 15 minutes).

Saturday 24 July
10:00am - 12:00pm: Open water swim training/familiarisation at The Quays
10:00am - 12:00pm: Swim training in dedicated 50m pool at Manchester Aquatic Centre. Book your transport at the Athlete Information Desk at the Copthorne Hotel.4.00pm - 6.:00pm Athlete uniform check at The Athlete Lounge (on The Quays)Sunday 25th July
7:00am: Age group races start
10:30am: Elite Women's Race starts
1:00pm: Elite Men's Race starts
3:00pm: Medal Ceremonies
6:45pm - 9:00pm: Closing Party at Manchester Town Hall Coaches leave the Copthorne Hotel at 6.30pm and return from 9:00pm (travel time approx. 15 mins).9:00pm till late! For those in the mood, the party continues at the Sport Café. All you have to do is make your own way back to your hotel when the party is finally over!

Monday 26th July
Home time! Dedicated transport will be provided to the airport if booked at the Athlete Information Desk by close of play on Saturday 24 July.5.

The Course:
This is surely one of best triathlon courses in the world - but best leave the sightseeing until before or after the race!

• The Swim 1500m (2 lap): Pontoon start into 6m deep freshwater quay. This is the former Dock 9 of the old Manchester Docks, but is now a totally enclosed quay and an established watersport centre with excellent water quality. Anticipated water temperature 18-19º C. athletes remain in the water for the 2 laps.
• The Bike (4 lap 40k):
  From The Lowry right into the heart of Manchester city centre. A flat fast course once off The Quays, where it is a little bit technical!
• The Run (3 lap 10k):
  A flat three lap route around The Quays taking in Manchester United Football Club (the Theatre of Dreams) and the futuristic Imperial War Museum North. The race is run on paved surfaces and finishes over the Millennium Bridge and in front of The Lowry.

6. More Information·
Event Director: John Lunt: email: john@humanrace.co.uk
Triathlon Hotline Tel: 44 (0) 161 848 8601
Email: info@trisalford.
Event Website: www.trisalford.co.uk
Athlete Services: Peter Knowles peter@sportserve.co.uk
ITU Protocol: peter@sportserve.co.uk
PR/Media: office@1090communications.co.uk