2010 WUC Triathlon Update: Opening Ceremony

Valencia – A Sunny day in Valencia, an ideal temperature from 21 to 28°C, started at 7am with breakfast for all participants.

The morning was dedicated to the bike check-in and the afternoon to the surveillance bike tour, accompanied by the local police. Some rehearsals took place for the protocol and a meeting was held with the volunteers .

FISU can be really proud of this Championship, beating the record of participation, not only in terms of the number of participants but also in terms of the countries participating, with a total of 37 countries, 145 triathletes, 86 men and 59 women, 67 officials.

FISU Vice-President Stefan Bergh at the Opening CeremonyThis record was only possible thanks to our very active Member Association in Spain and to the Organizing Committee in Valencia, D. Rafael Gil Salinas, having given a financial help for the promotion of the sports exchanges between the University of Valencia and the National Federations of the University Sport Federations of Latin America and Caribbean. This enabled the following countries to take part, to the greatest joy of the participants: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Virgin Islands, Panama, Paraguay and Venezuela.

The athletes had time to train, rest and prepare for the meeting point at 6 pm for the Opening Ceremony in a fantastic open theatre in Port Saplaya, gathering all participants.

After the parade of the participating countries, the speech of welcome, the Rector of the University of Valencia, Mr. Esteban Morcillo officially declared the 10th edition of this FISU Championship open. With the arrival of the FISU flag, the playing of the FISU anthem, the oath of the athletes, judges and referees, the participants could enjoy a spectacular cultural program.

Tomorrow, meeting point at 8am for the start of the women’s race at Las Arenas Playas, while the men will start at 10h15. Both races can be followed live on the internet at the following link:

Nicole Mangelschots, FISU Asst. WUC