Triathlon competition titled “Ironman Budapest 70.3” will be held on Saturday in Budapest, which will be part of the world series. István Simicskó, Secretary of State for Sport at the Ministry of Human Resources, and organizers talked about the Ironman competition at a press event.
The Ironman Budapest 70.3 is a prestigious competition, putting Hungary on the international map of triathlon, but this prestige comes with great responsibility, said István Simicskó. He hopes that, in a sense, all competitors will emerge as victors, and the race will hopefully inspire many children to do sports, added the state secretary.
Uew Weigert, the European license director of the World Triathlon Corporation, said it is the first time that Ironman is held in Eastern Europe. “The location is perfect, and I am sure the event will be a great success, even more, the best program this year in Budapest”, claimed the director.
Organizers revealed that 2000 competitors will feature from 57 different countries on Saturday, 70% of which is from abroad and 44% are first time participants. The race is set to begin on Saturday morning, mayor István Tarlós will be the one to launch and open the Ironman Budapest 70.3 competition.
via kormany.hu, photo: Gergely Botár