UWC Atlantic College, an international college near Llantwit Major, has been announced as the venue for the first XTERRA triathlon race to take place in Wales since 2006.

With no British XTERRA event in 2016, the leading global off-road triathlon series will return to the UK in June 2017 within the grounds of UWC Atlantic College, featuring races for both children and adults.

XTERRA Triathlon superstars Australian Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack from the UK, who are the Posh and Becks of triathlon, are excited that XTERRA is back on British soil:

“The event showcases everything that Wales has to offer and it’s going to be one of those races you won’t want to miss out on.  Bring the whole family as there is even a kids race supported by UWC Atlantic College, the event’s major sponsor. Without their support and belief the race wouldn’t happen. So thank you AC; we look forward to joining in on an action packed weekend of fun.”

Saturday June 3^rd 2017 will see a range of children’s races for everyone from four-year-olds who will be racing duathlons on balance bikes, to 16 year olds who will race in triathlons using UWC Atlantic College’s outdoor swimming pool.

The adult race on Sunday June 4^th 2017 will comprise a 1.5km sea swim, followed by a 30km mountain bike ride and a 10km run.

Two-time XTERRA World Champion,  Lesley Paterson, who will be participating, said of the event: “I’m honoured to race the inaugural Wales XTERRA next year as not only is it a beautiful country but I also call it home which makes it even more special. The course is supposed to be epic and a true testament of what XTERRA is all about.

“We are lucky enough to get to do this wonderful sport and giving back through outreach programs is a way to pay forward the gratitude we feel about being a part of the XTERRA family.”

UWC Atlantic College, which houses over 350 students from more than 90 countries, has outreach at the heart of its mission. More than half of its students – 55% – receive some kind of scholarship or bursary, and the financial proceeds from XTERRA are planned to fund two further student scholarships.

Staff at the college will also set up a children’s triathlon club for the wider community as part of the UWC Atlantic College’s local outreach programme.

The Vale of Glamorgan’s own Olympic triathlete, Helen Jenkins, said: “It is extremely exciting to see a fun, challenging incredible course in and around the amazing grounds of UWC Atlantic College. Using proceeds to fund scholarship places and help young people experience the sport for the first time makes it all the more worthwhile and commendable. Anyone racing will walk away knowing they raced an amazing race in a unique location”

Gerry Holden, caretaker Principal at the College, added: “We’re always looking for exciting events that bring our student body and wider community together – XTERRA certainly provides us that opportunity. We’re proud not only to be at the forefront of Welsh triathlons, but to be able to use the XTERRA event to extend our established outreach programme.”

ENDS

All media enquiries can be directed to Greg Landon (greglandon@workingwordpr.com) or Matthew Parr (matthew.parr@workingword.co.uk) at Working Word on 029 20455 182.

For specific information on XTERRA itself, please contact Keith Davies (Keith.Davies@atlanticcollege.org) at UWC Atlantic College on 01446 799012.

About UWC Atlantic College

UWC Atlantic College is an international residential sixth form college based in Llantwit Major, South Wales. The academic programme is the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which the college helped to develop.  It is the founding college of the UWC movement and was the first school in the UK to follow an international curriculum. The independently run college receives no subsidy from the UK government. However, approximately 55% of its students receive some financial support, enabling a diverse student body.

UWC Atlantic College is attended by approximately 350 students from more than 90 countries, who are selected on personal merit and potential – regardless of race, religion, cultural or socio-economic background.  Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum that is academically rigorous and embodies the school’s mission, preparing them for a life of service and leadership.

A core component of the UWC ethos is a commitment to community service; its service programme involves students engaged in a service or activity that supports other members of the college or local community.

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