By Zjan Shirinian

Threadneedle Investments has been announced as the global financial sponsor of the World Triathlon Series ©Getty ImagesFebruary 17 - Investment management firm Threadneedle Investments has been announced as the global financial sponsor of the World Triathlon Series for the next three years.

The company formed a partnership with the International Triathlon Union (ITU) last year for the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final in London.

It created the inaugural Threadneedle Team Triathlon for its clients and employees, raising more than £20,000, which was matched by the Threadneedle Foundation for Access Sport.

Marisol Casado, ITU President and International Olympic Committee member, said: "We are thrilled to grow our partnership with Threadneedle.

"Triathlon demands precision, focus, and drive, all of which Threadneedle exemplifies on a daily basis, making them an ideal and like-minded organisation with which to work."

Last year, Threadneedle teamed up with Access Sport to develop Tri-3-Sportz, a legacy programme designed to break down barriers to triathlon and make the sport more accessible to youngsters in London.

"Triathlon is an exciting sport that is rapidly growing in popularity around the world," said the firm's head of EMEA sales, wholesale, Gary Collins.

"Partnering with the ITU for the World Triathlon Series allows us to engage our clients and employees in key markets and support sports-related community organisations via the Threadneedle Foundation."

Threadneedle Investments held its own team triathlon as part of last year's World Triathlon Grand Final in London ©Getty ImagesThreadneedle Investments held its own team triathlon as part of last year's World Triathlon Grand Final in London ©Getty Images



The Worth Triathlon Series, now in its sixth year, will feature eight events beginning in Auckland, New Zealand on April 5 and 6.

It will be followed by races in Cape Town, Yokohama, London, Chicago, Hamburg and Stockholm.

The Grand Final will be in Edmonton, Canada from August 26 to September 1.

Speaking of Threadneedle's sponsorship deal, World Triathlon Series chief commercial officer Tim Stemp said: "Triathlon attracts ambitious and energetic individuals.

"Our partnership with Threadneedle Investments enables a global platform to engage employees, customers and the broader community in a unique and meaningful way."

Lagardere Unlimited Events, the marketing agency of the ITU World Triathlon Series, brokered the sponsorship.