For Immediate Release

ITU Invites German Triathletes to Compete at the 1999 Triathlon WorldChampionships in MunichConfirming the previously announced 1999 ITU Triathlon WorldChampionships in Munich, Germany on 4-5 September at the OlympicRowing facility, the International Triathlon Union (ITU) today issuedan invitation to German triathletes to compete in the event.

"It iscustomary for ITU to invite triathletes from the host country first. "said ITU President Les McDonald. He continued "A formal invitation and copy of the qualifying criteria will be sent to the DeutscheTriathlon Union for elite, junior and age group competitors. Ofcourse we will then send the invitation to the 125 NationalFederations affiliated to ITU.

"Based on previous ITU Triathlon World Championships, nearly 5,000people are expected to come to Munich for the event. Some 1,500 willbe competitors who have qualified from 80 nations racing for the worldtitles to be awarded. The 1,500 meter swim, 40 kilometer bike, 10kilometer run of the Olympic distance triathlon will be entirelywithin the Olympic Rowing facility near Oberschleisheim for the elite competitors.The juniors and age group triathletes course will beslightly different than the elite to accommodate the large number ofparticipants.

ITU has assumed full responsibility for the conduct of the competitionand related activities, including the ITU Congress, whererepresentatives from the affiliated National Federations will debateproposed rule changes, discuss future plans and confirm anti-dopingmeasures.

ITU has accepted a gracious offer from the City of Munichto assist with public services and sporting facilities to help defraysome of the costs to stage the competition. The Deutsche Triathlon Union recently announced withdrawal from theorganizing committee of the event. All previous World Championshipsand World Cup events have been the responsibility of professionalevent organisers, with the National Federation holding a watching brief. ITU has gladly accepted full responsibility for the event and preparations to welcome the world's best are well underway.

TheMunich organizing team confirms that hundreds of volunteers have comeforward to help. Sponsors have expressed keen interest in the eventand the management of the Olympic Rowing facility have worked hard toguarantee a successful competition. ITU welcomes German triathletesto test their skills against the best in the world at what could bethe best ever Triathlon World Championships.

Triathlon will make its' debut on the programme of the 2000 OlympicGames in Sydney on the opening day of competition at Sydney's famousOpera House. The ITU Triathlon World Championships in Munich is oneof the key qualifying events for triathletes wishing to take theirplace on the starting line of 50 women and 50 men at the OlympicGames. For More Information:Michael Gilmore, ITU Managing Directoremail - gilmore.itu@ibm.nettelephone - 1.253.858.5793Les McDonald, PresidentInternational Triathlon Union (ITU)Tel: (1.604) 987.0092Fax: (1.604) 987.5991Email: ituhdq@wave.home.comWebsite: www.triathlon.org