NEWS

Launch of 2nd ITU Science and Triathlon World Conference in 2013

By Nicola Hargreaves | 01 Mar, 2012

ITU is pleased to confirm the 2nd ITU Science and Triathlon World Conference will be hosted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Sports Magglingen in February 2013.

Click here for the conference website

On ITU’s continual quest towards enhancing the development of triathlon, the conference was successfully launched in 2011 at the University of Alicante in Spain. There some of the world’s best triathlon coaches and administrators joined with some of the pre-eminent sports science academics to combine the latest sports science research and practical experience into information to help all of triathlon’s stakeholders.

While Alicantle’s keynotes covered topics like the physiological requirements of triathlon, anti-doping, quantifying triathlon training, the differences between Olympic distance and sprint events, intricacies of the swim and run legs, training for long-distance triathlons, altitude training and tapering, the theme of the 2013 conference is ‘Reflect on the past – design the future’ and will use the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games as markers for the pathway of scientific development in the sport.

The conference will be moderated by a scientific committee, including Chair of the ITU medical committee Sergio Migliorini, IOC Medical Commission member and Chairman of FINA Sports Medicine Committee Dr. Margo Mountjoy as well as Professor Grégoire Millet of the University of Lausanne.

The biennial conference is the brainchild of ITU President and IOC member, Marisol Casado, who re-affirmed the importance of this event.

“Science has always had a place in the development and transformation of our sport, as well as been the principle way in which we keep all athletes safe, and therefore this is an extremely important event for ITU and all of triathlon’s stakeholders.”
Marisol Casado

“I really believe that as the worldwide governing body of the sport, ITU should take a leadership role in driving the research and studies in triathlon,” said Casado. “Therefore I am excited to be able to announce the second Science and Triahtlon World Conference. After the first event in Alicante, I stated that I hope this becomes the first place for researchers working on triathlon to be recognised for their contribution and where new ideas can be discussed. With two years until the next conference, I hope to spread the message and achieve this and gather even more of the world’s triathlon experts in Switzerland.

“Science has always had a place in the development and transformation of our sport, as well as been the principle way in which we keep all athletes safe, and therefore this is an extremely important event for ITU and all of triathlon’s stakeholders.”
 
The new triathlon and science website, science.triathlon.org, will have the full programme details as they are announced, including keynote speakers and topics. As in Alicantle, academics will be invited to submit scientific papers and posters which will be on display during the conference.

The website includes full details of the conference that will run from February 7 to 9, 2013 including details on how to submit papers and registration information.