SNOWY MOUNTAINS TO HOST OCEANIA CROSS TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS

The NSW Government, via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, has secured the Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships and the Australian National Cross Triathlon Championships to be held in the Snowy Mountains in 2015 and 2016.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Andrew Stoner, said the Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships will be held in an Australian-first next year, and the Australian Cross Triathlon Championships in February 2016.

“The Snowy Mountains’ growing reputation as a summer recreation and adventure sporting destination makes it the perfect fit for these events. Cross triathlon takes the traditional triathlon format off road, with competitors tackling a combination of swimming, mountain biking and trail running,” Mr Stoner said.

“It is estimated that together, the Oceania and Australian National Championships will attract close to 3,000 visitors from outside the region over the next two years, generating in excess of $1.2 million in visitor expenditure for the local economy.

“The Oceania Championships next year will be coupled with a weekend multisport festival at the Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa in the Snowy Mountains, offering activities for all ages and levels of experience,” he said.

Member for Monaro, John Barilaro, said the Snowy Mountains boasts fantastic trails, challenging National Park tracks and spectacular scenery.

“Last year the CSIRO named adventure, lifestyle, extreme and alternative sports as one of the six megatrends that will shape the sports sector in coming years and the Snowy Mountains is well placed to capitalise on that,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Hosting the Oceania and Australian National Cross Triathlon Championship events is a fantastic opportunity to show that the Snowy Mountains is not just a great destination during winter – visitors will find mountain biking, cycling, trail running and other adventure sports on offer year-round.

“Attracting more people to the region during the low season by growing the Australian Cross Triathlon Championships into a world class event is fantastic for the local community and economy,” he said.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the Snowy Mountains has plenty to offer those looking to relax.

“Visitors can enjoy fishing in pristine streams, exploring historic towns like Cooma, Nimmitabel and Tumbarumba or indulging at fantastic local bars, restaurants and cafes,” Ms Chipchase said.

“The Cross Triathlon Championship and Multisport Festival will give people an added incentive to visit this stunning region of NSW, and give them an opportunity to take in the beauty of the natural environment while competing in or watching a world class sporting event.”

The Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships is part of the national TreX Cross Triathlon Series and is sanctioned by the Oceania Triathlon Union and Triathlon Australia and is a qualifying round for the World Cross Triathlon Championships in 2015.