Ironman: Taupo to host 70.3 world championships in 2020

  • 12/10/2018
Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas and Ironman Oceania MD Dave  Beeche.
Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas and Ironman Oceania MD Dave Beeche. Photo credit: Ironman NZ

Taupo has won the right to host the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in November 2020.

It will be the first New Zealand city to host the event on November 28/29 2020, with more than 5000 male and female athletes expected to compete in the event across the two days.

"After 20 years of the Taupo community producing world-class Ironman and 70.3 events, we have the ultimate reward in being named to host the Ironman 70.3 world championships in 2020," said race director Wayne Reardon.

"The feedback from Ironman is that Taupo was chosen due to its long history with the sport, the ongoing legacy left in the community, an outstanding and award-winning environment, the unique cultural experience we deliver for the athletes and the way the community will embrace the event.

"This is one of the most significant dates in the global triathlon calendar and is a coup for our sport in New Zealand to host such a pinnacle event. Our team is looking forward to creating an inspirational and unforgettable experience."

Athletes will have the chance to qualify for the 2020 event at more than 110 global qualifying events in locations such as Austria, China, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and the Americas.

The 2019 edition will be staged in Nice, France.

Taupo beat out Perth, Australia for the right to host the 2020 race.

Newshub.