Sardinia to host inaugural TriStar222 LD triathlon

Sardinia will host the first ever TriStar222 long distance triathlon race on 3 October 2010. The TriStar222 Sardinia Arzachena Costa Smeralda is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy, where white sands meet crystal clear waters, the Emerald Coast. The first long distance triathlon in Italy entails 2km of swimming, 200km of cycling and 20km of running and is organized by I AM SPORT Events & Consulting and Star Production SARL with the support of the Region of Sardinia.



TriStar222 Sardinia Arzachena Costa Smeralda will be held on 3 October 2010 for the first time. Athletes from all over the world will enjoy the first ever TriStar222 labelled race covering a 2km swim, followed by 200km of cycling and 20km of running. It is the first time in history that a long distance triathlon with an international label will be hosted in Italy.



“TriStar222 Sardinia offers one of my favourite cycling routes, attractive from the standpoint of scenery and at the same time challenging in terms of racing, thanks to the rolling landscapes. The hilly layout will enable all athletes to compete in agility and strength, and at the same time it will make the competition even more exciting”, says Martina Dogana, Italian Champion in triathlon who has participated in developing the race in Sardinia.



The 2km swim takes place in the clear waters of the Bay of Cannigione (Arzachena), in the province of Olbia. The 200km cycling portion follows a single-loop course entirely closed for traffic. Once in the vicinity of Arzachena, triathletes will head east towards Porto Cervo sailing around the headland on the west of Cannigione. Once back near Arzachena, the circuit will turn towards the coast in the North-East to Palau. Then athletes will follow the coastal road through Santa Teresa di Gallura until Aglientu, where the course will enter into the wild hinterlands of Northern Sardinia distinguished by the classical Mediterranean bush through Luogosanto, Tempio Pausania, Luras, Calangianus, Sant'Antonio di Gallura and back to Cannigione. The 20km run course consists of a very fast circuit of 5 km, entirely flat along the seafront of Cannigione, to be completed 4 times.



Costa Smeralda – the Emerald Coast – is a coastal area in northern Sardinia covering more than 30km2 with enchanting beaches and beautiful landscapes. The area is a luxurious tourist destination and hosts important international sports events like the Sardinia Cup sailing regatta, polo matches, vintage car rally’s, and also the Italian Film Festival.



The TriStar label is owned by Star Production SARL, a Monaco based company specialized in organising high quality sports events that are focused on fun, social responsibility and environmental protection. A portion of each entry fee is donated automatically to Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG™ foundation, and each event applies the 4vita® program to reduce the environmental impact of sports events.



The full event website will go live on 19 January 2010, online registration will also open that day on www.tristar222sardinia.com.