November 20, 2019: Australia's top paratriathletes are set to take on the world this summer with the ITU World Paratriathlon Series (WPS) making its debut in Devonport, Tasmania as part of the Devonport Triathlon. 

Chosen as the first of four stops in the 2020 WPS tour, Devonport is ready to welcome some of the world’s best paratriathletes early next year as they line up to chase line honours and vie for key Paralympic qualification points ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Off the back of hosting ITU Paratriathlon World Cups in 2018 and 2019, Devonport's exceptionally pristine environment and challenging course make it an ideal location for WPS racing.
  
Race Director, Michael Bonney said that he's thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the World Paratriathlon Series back to Australian soil.   
  
“We had the opportunity to bring an Australian contingent down three years ago and that was the start of the journey [towards WPS in Australia]," Mr Bonney said.  
  
"We believe we’re on the right track to put on a great show."  
  
“These [paratriathletes] are absolute athletes. The speed, tenacity and technical skill that they bring to the racing is just amazing.”  

In addition to WPS racing, the Devonport Triathlon will see the Elite and Under 23 OTU Oceania Sprint Triathlon Champions crowned, as well as the Australian Junior and Youth Triathlon Champions.   
  
Age Group athletes will also have their chance to put their skills to the test on the world class course, with Age Group and Kids racing taking to the starting line over the course of the weekend.  

Triathlon Tasmania President, Doug Blackaby believes that the event has now grown to become a permanent fixture in the Tasmanian triathlon and sporting calendar, with the local Devonport community turning out for the event year after year.
   
"The event is in its 35th year, so it's evolved to something which is very, very important to our region,” Mr Blackaby said.

“The city gets right behind the event, and it's well supported by both local and state government.”
   
"It provides a good opportunity for the athletes to come and compete at a higher level, but also experience the region in it's fullness." 
  
Speaking to Triathlon Australia, Devonport City Councillor Annette Rockliff said that it's a pleasure to welcome competitors, support staff and families back to Devonport for the 2020 edition of the event, with the feature of the World Paratriathlon Series particularly pleasing.  
  
"This is the latest edition of an event which has been part of the city’s sporting landscape for more than three decades," Ms Rockliff said.  
  
"With the wonderful water at the Bluff, a demanding cycling course and picturesque running path Devonport has all the attributes necessary to stage such a high-quality event."  
 
The Devonport Triathlon will be held from February 29 to March 1 at Mersey Beach, Devonport and is proudly sponsored by Good stone. 

Should any media wish to seek further comments on the Devonport Triathlon, Triathlon Australia CEO Miles Stewart is available for comments.

Photo Credit: Delly Carr | Triathlon Australia