ITU have agreed a partnership with ASICS ©ITU

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) have announced a multiple year global agreement with ASICS, which will see the sports equipment manufacturer become a global development partner of the governing body.

The announcement came prior to the start of the World Triathlon Series season in Abu Dhabi today, with the ITU claiming the agreement marks a step forward in their four-year strategic plan through to 2021.

They state the partnership will provide essential support to the ITU development programme both financially and in terms of sporting equipment.

The ITU expressed their confidence in ASICS' "strong commitment to promote and develop triathlon globally".

"ITU is delighted to welcome ASICS as the new naming global partner in triathlon development as we continue to grow our sport around the world across the Tokyo 2020 Olympic cycle and beyond," said Marisol Casado, ITU President.

"The comprehensive 2018-2021 strategic development plan is designed to maintain the current upward trajectory of the sport of triathlon and this partnership allows us to reach further than ever in that quest."

Key areas to the strategic plan include a focus on greater empowerment of national federations, which will help them to achieve their goals with greater self-sufficiency.

Assisting new and emerging federations to establish themselves on the world stage has also been outlined as a major target.

The ITU have stated they are making concerted efforts to strengthen national federations in areas where triathlon has yet to establish itself.

Providing strategic leadership and promoting the sport at all levels have been asserted as ways to achieve this goal.

The agreement was announced prior to the World Triathlon Series opener in Abu Dhabi ©ITU
The agreement was announced prior to the World Triathlon Series opener in Abu Dhabi ©ITU

In the areas where triathlon is already strong, the ITU have claimed they will consolidate existing programmes and ensure that everything necessary is in place to allow the national federations to continue unearthing new talent, while providing the conditions for them to thrive.

It is claimed this will help to deliver a solid foundation for the sport, including in competition bidding and hosting, the development of new talent as well as coaching, performance, technical and administrative personnel and systems.

Motoi Oyama, chairman, President and chief executive of ASICS, claims the Japanese manufacturer are committed to improving the lives of athletes around the world.

"We are thrilled to be able to support the ITU as a global development partner," he said.

"We at ASICS are committed to improving lives through sport by helping athletes around the world get moving and feel the benefits of being stronger, happier and sharper everyday."