Milwaukee plays host to USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee's Lakefront played host to the USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals this weekend. The two-day Age Group Nationals is USA Triathlon's largest national championship event.
Olympic-Distance Nationals were held Saturday, Aug. 10, followed by Sprint Nationals on Sunday, Aug. 11.
"USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals has truly become a destination race for the nation's top amateur triathletes, and we are thrilled to bring the event to Milwaukee for the next two years," said USA Triathlon CEO Rob Urbach. "Milwaukee provides our competitors with a big-city feel and offer many amenities that make it an appealing host for this event. We look forward to working with the city of Milwaukee over the coming months to build a memorable race experience."
"Milwaukee is delighted to have been chosen as the location for the 2013 and 2014 USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals. Our strong triathlete community and award-winning Milwaukee County Parks situated on the picturesque Lake Michigan lakefront set the stage for this nationally recognized event, which promises to attract athletes from around the country," said VISIT Milwaukee Vice President of Sales & Marketing Brent Foerster.
The Olympic-distance race features a 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run, while the sprint race is comprised of a 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run.
Both races are lauded for featuring the nation's top age-group fields and serve as qualifiers for Team USA, the select group of amateur triathletes who represent the U.S. at International Triathlon Union World Championship events.
The 2013 Age Group Nationals in Milwaukee will serve as the sole qualifier for Team USA for the 2014 ITU World Championships.
"Milwaukee is an active city and a great place to train. The area is very welcoming to athletes," said 2012 U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team member Gwen Jorgensen, who is a Milwaukee-area native. "Lake Michigan is beautiful, and I enjoy training next to the lake whenever I am in town. This venue will be a great fit for Age Group Nationals."
For a look back at the 2012 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, visit usatriathlon.org for coverage of Olympic-Distance Nationals and Sprint Nationals.
Due to the triathlon, this weekend the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office deputies closed northbound I-794 at Edgerton and Pennsylvania Avenues to Lincoln Memorial Drive due to the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships being held along the Milwaukee Lakefront. The eastbound I-794 Lincoln Memorial Drive off-ramp will also be closed during this event. Access to northbound I-794 via the on-ramps will not be allowed during this event. The entire Lincoln Memorial Drive from Michigan to Kenwood Boulevard will also be closed during this event.
Saturday, August 10, 2013, deputies will begin closing the freeway at 7:00 a.m. and will re-open the freeway at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 11, 2013, deputies will begin closing the freeway at 7:00 a.m. and will re-open the freeway at 12:00 p.m.
Motorists are urged to use I-43/I-94 as an alternate route.
The 2013 Age Group National Championships represent USA Triathlon's signature event, and required more than 700 volunteers.
Organizers anticipate the free event's economic impact will be more than $8 million.