The first two qualifiers for the standard distance team took place in March at Dambuster and Clumber Park, with the competition for places already proving fierce.

 

The standard distance event will see duathletes complete a 10km run, 40km cycle and a final 5km run on fully closed roads with a multi-lap format, ensuring fast and exciting racing. The run sections will be along the riverside taking in the Tees Barrage, the Millennium Bridge and the Infinity Bridge. 

 

Stockton Duathlon Festival also has a sprint distance event that provides an early chance to qualify for the 2015 ETU Sprint Duathlon European Championships.  Athletes will need to be at their best to qualify on this fast and testing course; starting with 5km run along the riverbank, then a 20km cycle full of twists and turns, and finally a 2.5km sprint to the finish line.

 

Jez Cox, Great Britain Age-Group Team Manager for both the sprint and standard distance teams in Pontevedra is looking forward to the final qualifier commenting: “This weekend's Stockton Duathlon looks set to be a busy day for athletes looking to qualify for the Great Britain Age-Group Team with the final places for this year’s World championship up for grabs alongside the early qualifying places for the 2015 European Championships. Tri Hard events have created a complete festival of duathlon on the banks of the Tees and a spectator experience inspired by the Great North Run.  The race is one of the few that has fully closed roads and a course that lends itself perfectly to fast times. As one of the last big duathlons of the spring season it will be a fantastic day for both competitors and spectators alike.”

 

 

The deadline to register your intent to qualify at Stockton Duathlon Festival on www.britishtriathlon.org is 5pm on 25 April 2014.