With huge crowds expected to line the course based around Hyde Park in what will be an Olympic test event and qualifying opportunity, the British organisers are hoping to carry the growing interest in the sport through to the London 2012 Games and beyond.

Sarah Springman, President of the British Triathlon Federation (BTF), has revealed that the UK has submitted a bid to host the 2013 Grand Final at Hyde Park.

The bid is supported by UK Sport and the Mayor of London through London & Partners, his official promotional agency for the city, as well as the Royal Parks - all of whom are already involved in supporting this weekend's event at Hyde Park, which features the best triathlon field of all time for a World Championships Series event.

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is expected to announce the successful bidder for the 2013 Grand Final at its Congress in Beijing, which coincides with this year's Grand Final at the upgraded Beijing 2008 Olympic triathlon venue and course.

The Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series is in its third year and a stage of the Championship has been held in London each year.

Next year Hyde Park will host the triathlon competitions at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the bid to host the 2013 Grand Final is seen as an important part of the triathlon legacy of the Games.

"We don't want to just let it all stop," said Springman.

"We have applied to host the World Championships Grand Final in 2013.

"The ITU will make the decision this summer."


Marisol Casado, President of the ITU, said: "For the whole family of the ITU, having this legacy is very, very important.

"It would be fantastic if we could come back to the Olympic site, as we are doing this year in Beijing.

"The International Triathlon Union is delighted to be here in Hyde Park again this year at this iconic venue."

Meanwhile Robert Puestow, event director, said he is proud of the way Upsolut Sports UK, organisers and promoters of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship, London, have developed the event since its debut in 2009.

"I'm proud of what we've done with this event," he said.

"We have a fantastic entry for this year's event with all the top triathletes in the world in action.

"Places for our age-group races - where amateur triathletes can follow in the footsteps of the elite athletes - sold out within days and spectators are going to get a great free show this weekend as the races go round Hyde Park and out to Buckingham Palace and back.

"Unfortunately we have to give away our baby next year.

"We're sure it will be in very good hands, but we want it back in 2013."

Puestow said he expects a bumper crowd to turn out to watch the races over the weekend.

"We expect 50,000 people to come and watch this event over the weekend," he said.

"It's not egg and spoon race, it's a serious business and a big triathlon.

"I think it's the best ever elite field a triathlon has seen.

"It will be an incredible race."

Hosting the Grand Final in 2013 would not only bring the world's best triathletes back to London, it would also attract thousands of amateur athletes who will have the opportunity to win Age Group races.

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