Biggest triAthlone could be event's swan song

The annual triAthlone, which has brought thousands of athletes and spectators to the town since its inception in 2006, might not continue after this summer's event. The national launch of the 2010 Waterways Ireland triAthlone took place in Dublin yesterday (Tuesday) and organisers predicted that in early July some 50,000 athletes and spectators will visit the town for the four-day event incorporating the European Triathlon Championships. If this summer's event does prove to be the last triAthlone, it's likely to constitute a fitting send-off. Some 300 elite athletes, 1200 European championship entrants and approximately 2,500 other triAthlone participants are expected to take part in the races this year. However triAthlone CEO Liam Heavin acknowledged that numerous local residents and businesses have been severely affected by road closures surrounding the event. This year it will necessitate road closures over three days and Mr Heavin said the level of disruption caused might mean it will be the town's last triathlon. "We had some fantastic meetings with the Town Council and local traders recently where we talked about various plans and suggestions around the event and there were some discussions in relation to 2011," he said. "As a committee we haven't really thought about it at this stage as we're very much focused on getting everything in place for this year. "But some people have been seriously inconvenienced by the staging of the event in the past and unfortunately that will again be the case this year. "In September we hope to have a debriefing with the council, the Gardai, local residents, traders and everyone who has a stake in the event and we would then come to a decision about the future. It needs to be a collaborative decision - it won't be taken unilaterally," he said. "We could look at things like possibly alternating the route between the Leinster and Connaught sides of town, so that the same areas aren't being affected every year. Or would look to see if there was another solution. "One of possibilities is that we don't continue with it, but that's something that we want to throw back until after this year's event." "We have an incredible weekend lined up in July," said Mr Heavin. "The numbers are outrageous. This will be the biggest European championships ever. We're working day and night, and at weekends, in preparation for it. "The level of organisation required is on the edge of being overwhelming at times. But, barring any problems from the volcanic ash cloud, everything looks set to go very well!" The triAthlone events will begin on Thursday, July 1, and conclude on Sunday, July 4. RTE is to broadcast one hour of coverage from the event, from 8.30 to 9.30pm, on the Sunday. "This will go out right before The Sunday Game. To be allocated a full hour of prime-time coverage on RTE is a massive endorsement of what we're doing," said Mr Heavin.