Athletes from 13 countries expected to compete
Portimão will host the second edition of the Triton World Series between October 27 and 29.
This international triathlon event will brings together athletes from 13 countries in an “exciting competition which also aims to boost tourism in the region and promote inclusion and environmental responsibility.”
As organisers explain, the ‘Triton 3’ event is held in stages, with each discipline taking place on different days. The competition starts with the swimming event on October 27 at 4pm at Portimão Marina beach, followed by the cycling event on October 28 at 9am, starting and finishing at Algarve International Circuit (AIA). It will come to a close on October 29 with the running event, also at the marina, at 9am.
The event will feature athletes from Ireland, France, England, USA, Russia, Canada, Belgium, Greece, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Romania, although 20% of the athletes will be from Portugal and Spain and 10% from Brazil. Ioannis Drymonakos, a Greek Olympic swimmer with seven European medals and seven-time world competition finalist, will also be participating.
However, the event is not limited exclusively to professional athletes. The format allows anyone to participate in just one or two disciplines or days.
Organisers stress that the event provides a “significant boost for local tourism, as its unique three-day format extends the participants’ stay in the region, contributing to the local economy and showcasing Portimão as an excellent destination, even outside the ‘high’ season.”
They add that the event also has a “strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy and, during the event, will promote social inclusion through the participation of athletes with reduced motor capacity and sports activities for young people, including a new race dedicated to parents and children on the final day, around 11am at the marina beach.
In partnership with Portimão’s municipal water company (EMARP), the event also aims to “promote the conscious consumption of potable water and the elimination of single-use plastics during the competitions. To that end, drinking water fountains will be set up to meet the participants’ hydration needs, who will use silicone cups, also available at the designated locations.”
The 2023 edition is organised by the LOFF Association (Leave Only Friends and Footprints), which holds the rights for Triton in Portugal, in partnership with two local organisations: Teia d’ Impulsos and the Portimão Cycling Centre.
