Grandstand sell out for Leeds' World Triathlon Series debut as more race day details emerge

More than 1,300 grandstand tickets to see Leeds' World Triathlon Series debut have sold out in just over a week '“ but race organisers are reminding would-be spectators that they can still watch for free along the route.
Alistair Brownlee races to the line. Picture by Jan Kruger.Alistair Brownlee races to the line. Picture by Jan Kruger.
Alistair Brownlee races to the line. Picture by Jan Kruger.

Fans quickly snapped up the Millennium Square grandstand seats, which will give some of the best views of the likes of the Brownlee brothers competing in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds on Sunday June 12.

The race will see triathletes swim 1.5km through Roundhay’s Waterloo Lake before a 41.5km bike ride passing through Roundhay, Moortown, Meanwood, Weetwood, Headingley and Woodhouse, and a city centre 10km run ending in the square.

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Triathlon fans and residents will be able to see the world’s finest triathletes go head to head multiple times on some areas of the specially-designed route during the last major UK race before the Rio Olympic Games.

Great Britain's (left to right) Non Stanford, Jonny Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee and Vicky Holland who will all be competing in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds. Picture by Nick Potts/ PA Wire.Great Britain's (left to right) Non Stanford, Jonny Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee and Vicky Holland who will all be competing in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds. Picture by Nick Potts/ PA Wire.
Great Britain's (left to right) Non Stanford, Jonny Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee and Vicky Holland who will all be competing in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds. Picture by Nick Potts/ PA Wire.

Meanwhile race organisers have revealed details of road closure times and announced free spectator viewing areas will be set up in Briggate and Victoria Gardens during the day of the race.

Jack Buckner, chief executive of British Triathlon, said: “If you weren’t able to purchase a grandstand ticket, there are several other opportunities, and locations, around Leeds to watch Britain’s world-class triathletes race on home soil.

“We are expecting the city of Leeds to come out in force to cheer them on and create a truly unique Yorkshire atmosphere.”

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The event, organised by British Triathlon in partnership with Leeds City Council, is part of the ITU World Triathlon Series of international events taking place in cities including Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Yokohama and Stockholm this year.

Great Britain's (left to right) Non Stanford, Jonny Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee and Vicky Holland who will all be competing in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds. Picture by Nick Potts/ PA Wire.Great Britain's (left to right) Non Stanford, Jonny Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee and Vicky Holland who will all be competing in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds. Picture by Nick Potts/ PA Wire.
Great Britain's (left to right) Non Stanford, Jonny Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee and Vicky Holland who will all be competing in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds. Picture by Nick Potts/ PA Wire.

Triathlon race day will see 5,000 amateurs take on the same route as the pros from 7am, before the women’s elite race starts at 1pm and the men’s elite race runs from 3.45pm to around 5.30pm.

Roads along the route from Roundhay to the city centre will be closed from 3.30am until 5pm, while city centre routes will be closed from midnight on June 11 to midnight the day after.

During the event the route will need to be clear of vehicles, although access for the emergency services, care providers and other agencies will remain.

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Coun Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds is now only a few weeks away, and we look forward to everyone getting behind the event as we build up to June 12 and helping to create an unforgettable atmosphere around the route.”

Pre-triathlon events such as aquathlon races and British Triathlon’s GO Tri events will also be staged in Roundhay Park on June 11, meaning Princes Avenue will be closed to traffic from 5am to 3pm and surrounding roads will also be affected.

Further letters to affected residents have been sent out, while the Leeds Business Improvement District (BID) has released a business engagement pack offering guidance on how local firms can get involved in and make the most of the event.

Andrew Cooper, chief executive at Leeds BID, said: “We hope to see everyone supporting and getting involved with the event.”

For details visit leeds.gov.uk/worldtrileeds or leeds.triathlon.org/volunteer.

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