In exactly one year’s time, duathletes from around the world will arrive in Edinburgh to take part in the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships from 3rd to 5th September.

The event is expected to attract hundreds of Elite and Age-Group duathletes to the Scottish capital, where they will compete around the historic Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament.

The one-year countdown also marks the official launch of the event website: www.edinburghduathlon2010.com. The website has up-to-date course details, visitor information on the City of Edinburgh and advice on how to volunteer at the event.

Scotland boasts a strong tradition within duathlon, most notably through reigning ETU Duathlon European Champion, Catriona Morrison from Broxburn who is excited the countdown has begun, commenting: “With just 365 days to go before the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships arrive in the Scottish Capital, as a local duathlete I am both proud and excited to be part of such a prestigious event. The course is exciting and challenging and will be a real test of fitness and determination for both the Elite and Age-Group athletes alike. Edinburgh is a beautiful city and it will be a real honour to race in such a fantastic location.”

British Triathlon’s President, Dr Sarah Springman OBE, commented: “With the countdown underway, the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships are only 365 days away. Edinburgh is a fantastic sporting city and is steeped in history and culture. The event presents a unique opportunity not only to showcase duathlon and our fantastic duathletes, but also to celebrate the work of the British Triathlon Federation and our partners on the world stage.”

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh, said: “It’s exciting to think that this time next year we’ll be welcoming a host of talented duathletes and thousands of keen spectators from all over the world to this great city for the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships.”

Having hosted what were acclaimed in 2003 as the best-ever European Cross Country Championships, followed by a successful ETU Duathlon European Championships in 2007 and the fantastic World Cross Country Championships in 2008, we are better placed than anywhere else to deliver this type of major sporting event.”

We have demonstrated time and time again that Edinburgh is a truly spectacular arena for world class sporting events and I’m sure these championships will further reinforce this reputation.”

Marisol Casado, ITU President added: “Duathlon is an important aspect of our multisport programme and the world championships always bring out the top competitors from across the globe. Spectators and Age-Group duathletes alike will undoubtedly appreciate the immense strength and stamina of the top Elites and likewise we all recognise and admire the hard work and sacrifice of the amateur competitors.”

The International Triathlon Union looks forward to re-visiting Edinburgh next year. The unique opportunity for the duathletes to race around the iconic city is an exciting prospect and should enhance the experience of everyone taking part.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “The countdown to the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships is well and truly underway and there is real excitement building in Scotland’s capital as the city prepares to welcome some of the world’s finest Elite duathletes to compete against the stunning backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park. Edinburgh provides an unrivalled host destination for events like this one, offering warm hospitality, an enthusiasm for sport and a fantastic terrain for broadcast. We look forward to welcoming the event in a year’s time.”

Geoff Earl, President of Triathlonscotland added: “Triathlonscotland is pleased to see that the close working relationship between our self, Edinburgh City Council, Event Scotland and the BTF has resulted in this prestigious event coming to Scotland. The 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championship course is one of the world’s most challenging run bike run courses, yet it is also one of the most scenic. This event will be the highlight of the calendar not just for Scottish duathletes, but also for many of the world’s best who will be heading for the capital of Scotland in one year’s time. Triathlonscotland is particularly pleased that the design of this course will provide a fantastic opportunity for spectators to witness one of our sports showcase events.”

For more information go to: www.edinburghduathlon2010.com