Columbia Threadneedle have been announced as the title sponsor of the Leeds leg of the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Series ©ITU

Global asset management group Columbia Threadneedle have been announced as the title sponsor of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series race in Leeds, England, next year.

The company are already heavily involved with the sport as they are currently the sponsor of the ITU World Rankings and are the global financial services partner of the World Triathlon Series.

The event in the Yorkshire city is due to take place on June 11 and 12, 2016.

Leeds was awarded a leg of the Series by the ITU back in May after it was initially put forward the previous month by British Triathlon.

A leg of the World Series has been held at London’s Hyde Park since 2009, except in 2012 when it was the Olympic venue, however, British Triathlon chose Leeds to take over hosting a British round for an initial three years.

The national governing body told insidethegames at the time that the creation of London’s cycling superhighway would prevent a leg being held in Hyde Park next year.

“Columbia Threadneedle has been a fantastic sponsor of the ITU World Triathlon Series, and the city of Leeds has already been incredibly enthusiastic about its addition to the 2016 World Triathlon Series calendar,” ITU President Marisol Casado said.

“This partnership is going to make for one phenomenal race that triathletes will not want to miss out on.”

Britain's Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee will get the opportunity to compete in his home county when the ITU World Triathlon Series comes to Leeds
Britain's Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee will get the opportunity to compete in his home county when the ITU World Triathlon Series comes to Leeds ©Getty Images

The event in Leeds give British duo Alistair Brownlee and younger brother Jonathan, gold and bronze medallists respectively at London 2012, the chance to compete on home soil in a race that is set to form a key part of their preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The ITU officially confirmed the schedule for the 2016 World Triathlon Series in June, with Leeds one of two debutants in staging a leg on the Series alongside Cozumel, Mexico.

“There is a fantastic buzz surrounding the ITU World Triathlon Series coming to Leeds next year,” British Triathlon director for major and national events Jon Ridgeon said.

“To confirm Columbia Threadneedle Investments as title sponsor almost a year in advance of the event, demonstrates the prestige and commercial attraction of both the ITU World Triathlon Series and the sport of triathlon.”

Mass participation entries for the two-day event open next month and in order to avoid disappointment, individuals are being encourage to pre-register and those interested can do so here.



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