Triathlon Australia and the Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival event organisers have concluded that it is necessary to revise the format of the 2021 Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, and current lockdowns in NSW, VIC and SA as well as the continuing domestic border restrictions and closures. 

The Australian Age Group, Junior, Under 23 and Elite Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon National Championships which were due to take place in Townsville, QLD on the 13-15 August 2021 will no longer be hosted at the Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival.  

Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival have made the tough decision to cancel the Cross Triathlon events at Pallarenda and the Standard Distance Triathlon while the Aquathlon and Duathlon races will proceed as planned and still be World Championship Qualifying Events, however they will no longer be host events for the Australian Championships. 

Triathlon Australia Chief Executive Officer Miles Stewart OAM understands the decision to move a number of the Australian Championships from Townsville is disappointing but believes it is the best outcome for members, given the number of interstate athletes who are unable to attend due to the current COVID-19 outbreaks, lockdowns and limitations on domestic travel.   

“We understand the significant impact COVID-19 is having on our triathlon community and the uncertainty many of our clubs and members across the country are facing, particularly those in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia who are currently in lockdown. 

“The Australian Championships are highlight events on our calendar and to go ahead as planned in August whilst there is such uncertainty, would simply not be fair and in the best interests of our community, interstate athletes and Age Group members who look forward to and deserve the opportunity to attend and compete at National Championships. 

“It’s disappointing we won't be able to host Australian Championship events in Townsville, we were really looking forward to heading north for multisport racing, but we’re also fortunate to have our 2021/2022 season ahead of us which provides us the option to move the Aquathlon, Sprint Duathlon and Cross Triathlon National Championships to a later date, making it possible for more athletes across the nation to attend and participate. 

Triathlon Australia Head of Events and Technical, Lukas Matys will explore alternative dates and venues for the impacted Australian Championships.  

“We’re exploring suitable alternative events to host the Australian Championships for Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon as part of the 2021/2022 national calendar.  

“It’s really unfortunate for Townsville, and we’d like to share our sincere thanks to the Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival organising committee for all the hard work and preparation they’ve put in.  

“Even though the festival will no longer be an Australian Championship event for the three multisport disciplines, we’re still expecting many Queensland athletes to head to Townsville. 

“It’s a popular destination event, and will continue to hold its status as an Aquathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon World Championship Qualifying Event - we’re looking forward to seeing athletes line up on the Townsville foreshore.” 

Triathlon Australia and Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused for athletes, however the circumstances are unfortunately beyond our control and appreciate your understanding. 

Competitors impacted by these changes will receive a full refund of their entry fee plus Triathlon Australia One Day Memberships (if applicable) by the Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival event organisers. Alternatively, competitors in the Standard Distance can have their entry transferred to the Sprint Distance triathlon and receive a refund of the entry fee difference if they request. The Sprint Distance race does not carry any prize money. Athletes with any questions regarding event entry fee refunds should visit https://www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au/.

For details on changes to Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival event format, visit their Event Overview here. 

2022 Australian Age Group, Junior, Under 23 and Elite National Championships 

Triathlon Australia will find suitable alternative hosts for the 2022 Australian Age Group Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon National Championships. The 2022 Australian Age Group Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon National Championships will be reallocated by Triathlon Australia to alternative host events on the 2021/2022 national calendar.  

Once Triathlon Australia has confirmed the new dates and venues for the 2022 Australian Age Group Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon National Championships Triathlon Australia will confirm this information with all members on the Triathlon Australia website, Triathlon Australia Social Media platforms as well as the Tri Life Member Newsletter.  

2022 Australian Age Group Multisport Team Selection  

The 2022 Australian Age Group Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon Australian Championships once confirmed by Triathlon Australia will still hold double selection points in relation to 2022 Australian Age Group Multisport Team selection (2022 Australian Age Group Multisport Team Selection Policy Clause E.1 which can be found on page 5).  

The 2022 Australian Age Group Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Distance Duathlon Australian Championships once confirmed by Triathlon Australia will still provide age group athletes the opportunity to seek automatic qualification to the 2022 Australian Age Group Multisport Team (2022 Australian Age Group Multisport Team Selection Policy Clause G.2.(a) which can be found on page 8).