2018 Ironman 70.3 World Champs

[gummibear]

Will South Africa win the bid to host the WC or will the government not back it?

 

Nice (FRA), Budapest (HUN) and Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay (RSA) have been named the three finalists for hosting the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

 

 

Ironman today announced the finalists for the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship triathlon. Three cities, all of which currently host Ironman or Ironman 70.3 races, have been named as the finalists in the selection process—Nice (France), Budapest (Hungary) and Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay (South Africa). The 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship will be a two-day event, like the 2017 edition—with the professional women and age-group women racing on one day and the professional men and age-group men racing on the other.

“The Ironman 70.3 triathlon series has grown exponentially over the past few years, with the World Championship featuring the best athletes from around the world,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of Ironman in the press release. “We have been extremely pleased with the global rotation of the event and providing our athletes with an exceptional world-class race in fantastic locations. Nice, Budapest and Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay are all extraordinary hosts to current Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races—providing beautiful and challenging courses and world-class hospitality for our athletes and families. Each city is well suited to host this pinnacle event.”

The Ironman 70.3 World Championship began an annual global rotation in 2014 in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. The 2015 race was held in Europe for the first time, in Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand, Austria. This September, the 2016 Ironman 70.3 World Championship shifts to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time—in Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine Coast with athletes representing over 70 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 75-plus. In 2017, the championship event moves to Chattanooga, Tenn. where it will be a two-day event for the first time.

Beginning in July 2017, athletes from around the world will earn the right to compete in the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship by qualifying at any of the more than 100 Ironman 70.3 events globally.

RELATED: Chattanooga, Tenn. to Host 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship

Learn more about the finalists from Ironman below:
Nice, France – Nice, located in the Côte d’Azur area on the southeast coast of France, is the capital of the stunning French Riviera and is the fifth-largest city in France. Host to Ironman France since 2005, Nice incorporates a swim in the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea and a run course along Nice’s historic Promenade des Anglais waterfront. With one of the largest international airports in France located just minutes away from the city, Nice is easily accessible and welcomes over five million visitors every year. Beyond the beauty of the area, Nice also offers a rich culture built by some of the greatest painters, writers and musicians the world has known. With year-round sunshine, a scenic location, and outstanding cuisine and culture, Nice embodies all the benefits of a historic coastal city.

Budapest, Hungary – Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and is also one of the biggest cities in the European Union. This beloved tourist destination hosts Ironman 70.3 Budapest, joining the circuit in 2014. The Danube River, which is the longest river in the European Union, runs through the center of the city and along the Buda hills and Palace District. Budapest is well known for its restorative thermal baths, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. With a history that dates back to the 1200’s, the city attracts about 4.4 million tourists a year, making it the 25th most popular city in the world. Downtown’s nightlife district brings both culinary excellence and the relaxed atmosphere of underground-style lounges.

Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa – The beachside community of Port Elizabeth within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is South Africa’s second oldest city and is the coastal and economic hub of the Eastern Cape. Athletes and spectators who travel to Port Elizabeth get the unique opportunity to visit one of the most widely beautiful and historically significant places in the world. Currently hosting the Standard Bank Ironman African Championship, the course in Nelson Mandela Bay and the city of Port Elizabeth has athletes utilizing the beautiful surroundings of Hobie, Humewood and Kings Beaches. While fishing, surfing, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing are enjoyed by tourists, Nelson Mandela Bay also prides itself on offering the ability to see lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and elephants in wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area.

Read more at http://triathlon.competitor.com/2016/04/news/ironman-announces-3-2018-70-3-world-championship-location-finalists_131242#sMFWO1CTDQt69mop.99

[SwissVan]

Ssshh Gummi don't bring it to their attention... the regimes attention that is

[Rocket-Boy]

As much as I want it in PE, its a pretty hard sell against the other two.

[IceCreamMan]

As much as I want it in PE, its a pretty hard sell against the other two.

Have to agree. The others are more central for the pro's etc.

 

However, it would be awesome to have it here and the PE crowds are fantastic.

[mon-goose]

Ssshh Gummi don't bring it to their attention... the regimes attention that is

agreed, let's keep this on the low down........

[pista]

 

IRONMAN ANNOUNCES NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA AS HOST FOR THE 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP -

 

See more at: http://www.nmbt.co.za/news/ironman_announces_nelson_mandela_bay_south_africa_as_host_for_the_2018_ironman_703_world_championship.html#sthash.8OHfgGTq.dpuf

 

http://www.nmbt.co.za/news/ironman_announces_nelson_mandela_bay_south_africa_as_host_for_the_2018_ironman_703_world_championship.html

[SwissVan]

IRONMAN ANNOUNCES NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA AS HOST FOR THE 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP -

 

See more at: http://www.nmbt.co.za/news/ironman_announces_nelson_mandela_bay_south_africa_as_host_for_the_2018_ironman_703_world_championship.html#sthash.8OHfgGTq.dpuf

 

http://www.nmbt.co.za/news/ironman_announces_nelson_mandela_bay_south_africa_as_host_for_the_2018_ironman_703_world_championship.html

 

 

September ideal for us euro's....    

[ScottCM]

Anyone here hoping to participate as an age grouper?

[gummibear]

Then it's on...then theres no funding....then it's on....now no funding again.

 

Geez they need to decide before they mess the athletes around.Going to be a huge loss to PE if this is taken away.

 

 

Ironman race in jeopardy after another budget delay

 

Decision that could make or break Nelson Mandela Bay’s status as the 2018 host city for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship was postponed again yesterday by the city’s budget and treasury committee.

The Herald had previously reported the city was at risk of losing the event if they could not secure R200-million in funding for the resurfacing of roads.

A proposal was made in council previously to use R13-million that was set aside for road resurfacing in several wards towards upgrades for the Ironman route.

However, this was deferred for further discussion in the committee as councillors were adamant that the budget for tarring township roads should not be slashed for the event.

It is not yet clear where the balance of the required R200-million will come from, but budget and treasury head Retief Odendaal assured the committee that mayor Athol Trollip was hard at work on this issue.

Odendaal also assured councillors that the R13-million would be reinstated to the wards in the adjustments budget, but to no avail.

Councillors questioned whether the event, which is expected to draw about 16 000 visitors, would bring in enough economic benefits to warrant such expenditure.

“We plainly can’t spend R200-million on one sporting event,” ANC councillor Rory Riordan said. “We need answers about the possible income from the event.”

United Front councillor Mkhuseli Mtsila said the proposed spending did not appeal to the party.

“The resurfacing will be done in well-developed areas. I don’t see the poor communities benefiting.”

Odendaal said an estimated investment of R500-million would be brought to the city through the event, while ANC councillor Bicks Ndoni questioned whether there were ways to mitigate the huge spending and find more cost-effective alternatives.

The committee would meet again before the next council meeting to further discuss the issue, Odendaal said.

[gummibear]

 

Financial nightmare 

 

October 7, 2017

 Odette Parfitt

Mayor Athol Trollip was said to be hard at work to source the remaining R187-million from external sources

R200m Ironman bill set to soar as metro to fund items, including:

• International flights, hundreds of hotel rooms and a huge pasta party

• A 3 000m2 village to accommodate vendor booths

• A 4 000m2 supply depot to organise event supplies and trucks

• A 500m2 area for VIP guests near the finish line

International flights, hundreds of hotel rooms and a massive pasta party – these are just some of the expenses for which Nelson Mandela Bay must foot the bill when it hosts the Ironman 70.3 World Championship next year.

And while the cost for a myriad requirements has been estimated at R8-million by organisers, there are fears it could increase sixfold.

The requirements are detailed in the host city agreement between Ironman and the metro, and range from flights to accommodation and a banquet marquee for nearly 5 000 guests.

This is over and above the R200-million the metro has yet to source to fund road upgrades along the planned route for the championship, set to be held in the Bay in September next year, MMC for budget and treasury Retief Odendaal confirmed.

A proposal to foot R13-million of this bill by borrowing funds set aside for road resurfacing in other wards has been discussed at length in council and the metro’s budget and treasury committee meetings, but no decision has been reached yet.

Meanwhile, mayor Athol Trollip was said to be hard at work to source the remaining R187-million from external sources.

However, the metro is expected to provide much more than just improved roads and municipal services, according to the lengthy agreement.

The document stipulates that the metro would have to set aside R8-million to cover various expenses through its directorates.

Though this includes basic services such as security and traffic services, assistance in swim safety and waste management, the municipality is also responsible for securing 340 hotel rooms – at no cost to Ironman – for race week, with a further 50 rooms needed for Ironman staff prior to the race.

Beyond this, the metro has to pay for delegates from Ironman in the US to visit the city three times and perform inspections of the metro’s progress.

The provision of a marquee, to be used for a banquet for 4 750 guests, will also be the metro’s responsibility at a price tag of R650 000. Another R1-million will be contributed to a live television broadcast of the event on SuperSport.

Other items the municipality is expected to pay for include:

• A 3 000m² ironman village to accommodate vendor booths;

A 4 000m² supply depot to organise event supplies and trucks;

A 1 000m² athletes’ garden close to the finish line;

A centre to accommodate 100m² media houses;

A 500m² area for VIP guests near the finish line; and ý A 1 00m² race office for officials. The metro already paid a sponsorship fee of R7.8-million earlier this year, which included finance for an awards function and pasta party at a cost of R1.1-million.

In return, the metro will receive 80 VIP tickets from Ironman, along with the “indirect commercial and other benefits” that the event will bring.

The corporation will also donate approximately $50 000 (about R800 000 depending on the exchange rate at the time) to a local charity organisation after the event.

However, Odendaal is adamant the event will bring countless other benefits to the city.

“Only a fool wouldn’t realise the benefits this will have for the city,” Odendaal said.

“Durban just spent R110-million for their bid for the Commonwealth Games and they weren’t successful.

“All over the country, metros fall over their feet to be able to attract these kinds of events. The benefit Ironman is bringing to us is that we can host this event.”

Odendaal said the event would bring an estimated R400-million in revenue to the metro, along with job opportunities for unemployed residents.

“Creating jobs is a direct benefit for our city. We’re going to grow the economy [by] growing the tourism industry.

“Millions of people will watch the event worldwide. That kind of marketing you cannot buy – and this will possibly be the single biggest benefit of the whole event.”

Noxolo Nqwazi, the metro’s executive director of sport, recreation, arts and culture, said it was a “strategic decision” for the metro to invest in Ironman and other sporting events.

“One athlete participating in Ironman will bring his family and coaches, which means 4 500 athletes will amount to nearly 16 000 [visitors] in the metro,” Nqwazi said.

Regarding the expenses the metro has to incur, Nqwazi confirmed the metro was paying for flights for two Ironman representatives to evaluate their progress.

“However, we are not paying for the 340 hotel rooms, as that will be offered by hotels in the area.”

Though the list of contractual commitments included the planned road upgrades, Nqwazi said the metro spent three months on the agreement to ensure their costs would not exceed R8-million.

“Half of the R8-million will be [in the form of] our own municipal services, including beach infrastructure and safety services. The R8-million will be included in the 2018/19 budget.”

Odendaal also said the metro would budget for any other “incidental costs” that may arise.

“The contract is absolutely standard and in line with the requirements [of other events]. When hosting an event, one expects there to be certain requirements and a city would have to decide according to economic benefit [if it is worth it], but it is worth the benefit to us.”

However, Rory Riordan, ANC councillor and former head of the budget and treasury committee under the previous administration, had his misgivings about the agreement.

“Whether it is in this year’s budget or the next, it is still a lot of money to spend on a two-day event,” Riordan said.

“A lot of the responsibilities set out [in the contract] are not included in the R8-million and the expenses are much more complicated.

“With all they have to do, [i’d estimate the expenses would be] on the wrong side of R50-million.”

Keith Bowler, managing director for Ironman Africa, said the metro was chosen following a standard bid process. “It is Ironman’s policy not to disclose any further details of the host venue agreements,” Bowler said.

Meanwhile, tourism associations in the metro are excited about the influx of guests expected during the event.

“It will really bring huge numbers,” predicted Shena Wilmot, chairwoman of the Port Elizabeth Metro Bed and Breakfast Accommodation.

“It’s a very important event that will make a big difference for the city’s tourism, and we hope the people [who visit the city] will go home and tell others about the city, so we’ll have more visitors coming here.”

Tourism expert Peter Myles also said the metro’s planned investment would receive an excellent return.

“An investment of R8-million will generate a return of R233-million, based on [data from] previous events,” Myles said.

“There are [also] hidden benefits. Hosting the world championships is an endorsement of the city’s claim to being the ‘Water Sport Capital of South Africa’. This endorsement usually means the city has a better chance of attracting similar events.”

[gummibear]

Road funds may be used for Ironman 

 October 8, 2017 Ntombesizwe Botha and Sibulele Mboyi

 

Route Priority: Slice of budget for fixing potholes, cracks may now go to race route, write Ntombesizwe Botha and Sibulele Mboyi

Kohler Road in Swartkops, Port Elizabeth, is cracked and riddled with potholes. About R1.6-million was budgeted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to fix it in the 2016/17 financial year.

But half of its budget will likely be diverted to help fix roads earmarked for the Ironman World Championship route which the city plans to host next year.

The 40km Ironman route stretches from Marine Drive up to Sardinia Bay Road and then on to Seaview Road.

Kohler Road is one of at least 46 roads throughout the city expected to forfeit a portion of their budget to collectively contribute R13-million to the R200-million needed to resurface the Ironman route.

The decision to divert the money must still be approved by council.

Weekend Post visited half of the 46 roads from where budgets could be cut.

Many of the roads visited are in a treacherous state, with pits, cracks, bumps, lumps and potholes.

Kohler Road resident Onke Mjuleni, 25, said it made no sense to deduct the money that was already earmarked and urgently needed.

“I definitely do not see this as a feasible option. In the long run, I am sure it’ll have consequences of some sort.

“I have no doubt in my mind that this is an important event as Port Elizabeth needs a bit of recognition, but to deduct it from places that also need the money?

“I don’t know, I’m not too sure I agree with that,” he said.

Some of the roads, like Baird Street in Uitenhage, will forfeit as much as R1-million this financial year.

Baird Street is filled with potholes in the middle of the road and some residents are not happy about the proposal to delay work on the road.

Baird Street resident Zizo Mbonyana, 28, said he did not understand why the money had to be taken for just one event.

“It is for one weekend. The municipality really does not prioritise properly. Hopefully, this doesn’t come back to backfire,” he said.

Other streets to suffer an impact should this be approved will include:

• Ngedle Road, Motherwell, losing R100 000, with R1 131 875 remaining;
• Gazania Road, Sunridge Park, losing R75 000, with R154 500 remaining;
• Penford Avenue, Uitenhage, losing its entire R524 250 budget;
• Lockheed Street, Walmer, losing its entire R198 000 budget; and
• Four sections of Crammer Street, Malabar, losing R518 500 collectively, with R978 800 remaining.

While some residents understood the potential benefit of hosting the event, they were unhappy about the proposal to redirect funds.

Crammer Street resident Phumelela Mbujana, 24, said: “They must actually put it to good use. I have lived in Malabar for four years now and in the time I have lived here I’ve never seen any serious roadworks being done.”

Joshua McLenon, 30, of Gazania Road, Sunridge Park, said it was a small price to pay to host the event.

“Ironman is a world-class event and I think that the municipality is doing the right thing. Ironman is an event that brings in local and international participants,” he said.

The Ironman 70.3 World Championships – the first of its kind to be held in Africa – is expected to draw 15 000 people, which is 5 000 more than the annual Ironman African Championship.

Budget and treasury political head Retief Odendaal said this was not a matter of taking money away from the wards but rather a reshuffling of the funds.

This money would be returned later in the 2018/19 budget, he said.

Odendaal said if they could not find the funds required for the road resurfacing, the municipality would be approaching different corporate entities for assistance.

“It is my understanding that the postponement of the resurfacing and refurbishing of the roads in certain wards will be in areas that are not in urgent need of this upgrade,” he said.

The metro’s political head of economic development, tourism and agriculture, Andrew Whitfield, said: “About 15 000 people are going to be descending on Nelson Mandela Bay for about 10 days.”

He said this meant that every single hotel would be filled.

“Ironman is the anchor event on our events calendar and helps boost the economy. Every single community in Nelson Mandela Bay benefits directly or indirectly from the tourism industry.”

He said the municipality was working with Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism to promote township tours.

“This will ultimately promote the informal trading economy by connecting tourists to the arts and craft traders who exist all around the metro.

“We’re putting together packages for tourist to explore each and every corner of the metro, so that we’re able to ensure that we integrate the benefits that the Ironman has into the community.”

Mandela Bay Development Agency spokesman Luvuyo Bangazi said reallocation of funds should not be seen as taking money away but rather showcasing Nelson Mandela Bay as a world-class city.

[Shebeen]

As much as i'll be the one ridiculing poser world champs coming to town, this would be disappointing if it doesn't happen.

 

I did the Hobie 16 world champs in PE (in 2005 or 06 I think). The bid had actually been for langebaan to host, but PE (with some serious clout and $$$ for a certain motor company) put in a really good deal to host it. They pulled out all the stops and from an organisation side it was awesome with the city and tourism authorities etc. really on board. (it blew like flippen crazy, and we lost a lot of time sitting on the beach and might have broken some equipment along the way)

[Rocket-Boy]

Man I think they bit off more than they can chew on this one. It might have been a bad idea with all of the upgrades they need to do.

[fanievb]

problem is those upgrades should have happened a looong time ago.

Same as here in slummies, they only start fixing everything the month before the event.

I can see this failure being blamed on the coalition council and not the previous council which did not live up to it's promises/undertakings 

[Garfield2010]

If they do not fix the roads to seaview then soon the annual IM event will also become under threat.

 

Maybe they should go back to the "old" route and make it a straight out an back (M9 / M18?)

[gummibear]

If they do not fix the roads to seaview then soon the annual IM event will also become under threat.

 

Maybe they should go back to the "old" route and make it a straight out an back (M9 / M18?)

I've been wondering what the implications of this would be on IMSA race?

 

Also heard that there's a huge penalty if they call off the IM World Champs.