Naiade Resorts Mauritius and VO2max Voyages in collaboration with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) are organising the third edition of the Indian Ocean Triathlon on November 13 to promote Mauritius as well as attracting Triathlon amateurs to the island.
The acting director of the MTPA, Mr Vijaye Haulder, said yesterday in Port Louis that some 250 athletes from 10 different countries are expected to participate in the event.
“We are targeting tourists from key markets such as France, United Kingdom, Germany and South Africa to ensure the event attracts an even wider number of tourists to the island as well as potential emerging markets like the United Arab Emirates,” Mr Haulder said.
The director of VO2maxVoyages, Mr Laurent Gillard, said “the event represents huge prospect for Mauritius as people who love sport usually choose a destination because of sports activities organised there.”
The event will include a 1.8km swimming race, 55km bicycle race and a 12km race on foot and will allow tourists to discover Mauritius while participating in endurance sports.
Several renowned triathlon athletes will participate in the 2011 edition such as the German “Ironman” Thomas Hellriegel and French athletes Frederic Belaudre and Charlotte Morel. Mauritian athletes will also compete.