![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWWSPeKz-pU/T51cKEacwxI/AAAAAAAAAlo/RGY0g2_PSh8/s400/CANNES-2012.jpg)
Cannes is ready to host the inaugural edition of the TriStar55.5 and
TriStar111 Cannes formats on Sunday, April 29th, 2012, with 1,100
triathletes already registered. The start for the swimming is tomorrow
at 8:30 on the “Qaui Laubeuf” beach. It will be a very interesting
triathlon race because of its fun and easy recovery format and because
of the impressive PRO start list in one of the best spots to start the
European season this year: François Chabaud (FRA), Hervé Faure (FRA),
Olivier Marceau (SUI), Daniel Fontana (ITA), Joe Skipper (GBR), Jeanne
Collonge (FRA) Delphine Pelletier (FRA), Simone Friis (DEN), Adeline
Rausis (SUI) or Gabriella Zelinka (HUN) will participate tomorrow. There
is also a great number of VIPs and former pro athletes from other
sports enjoying this race as participants. Formula 1 drivers such as the
Brit Jenson Button, Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi or Austrian Alex Wurz,
and VIPs and former pro athletes as Paul Belmondo or Stéphane Diagana…
This exciting new international event in the Côte D’Azur has been
officially presented today at the Radisson Hotel.
Quotes from the pre-race press conference at TriStar Cannes
Manuela Garelli, Race Director
“This
is a unique format, in a unique place, for a unique race. TriStar111
Cannes offers all athletes its traditional triathlon: 1 km of swimming
in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, followed by breathtaking
cycling through picturesque villages and on top of all, a running course
of 10 km in the center of Cannes arriving at the steps of the Festival
Hall. Welcome to Cannes to all the athletes and organizers and thanks in
advance for a great day tomorrow.”
Laurent Gauthier, President of Star Events (organizer)
“We
are so glad to organize this great race in one of the best destinations
in France. Cannes, Deauville and Lyon are three of the TriStar events
with most participants. Local and international triathletes definitely
know what TriStar stands for and that they will have a high quality
event organized for them. Everyone will feel like a pro athlete.”
Olivier Marceau (SWI), World Champion, olympic and three times TriStar winner
"I’m
looking forward to racing ‘at home’ tomorrow. I perfectly know these
roads, these streets and I would like to ride and run fast to try to
keep the victory at home. It’s going to be very tough as the bike course
is demanding and the start list is full of great athletes.”
Daniel Fontana (ITA), Olympic and 8:18:00 Ironman competitor
“My
background is similar to the one of Marceau as I also came from the
Olympic distance and I feel that this format suits me perfectly. I don’t
know the bike course, I only saw the maps on the internet and it looks
very tough. The bike is going to be the key factor for sure to fight for
the podium tomorrow.”
Adeline Rausis (SUI), pro triathlete
“I
have planned to participate in some other TriStar races this year
(Lyon, Deauville and Monaco). I really like the format and these races
are perfect to compete, to train and to get an extra motivation to keep
practicing triathlon.”
Paul Belmondo, former pro athlete, professional driver and TriStar Ambassador
“As
an official TriStar Ambassador I can’t wait to start racing tomorrow in
Cannes. I train here a lot, and I will try to finish under 5 hours…
Hope the forecast is wrong and we will see the sun tomorrow and enjoy
Cannes this international triathlon”.
Lucas Di Grassi (BRA), F1 driver
“I
have already participated in a TriStar race in Monaco in 2010, and then
triathlon became my hobby. I love the way TriStar is organizing sport
events this is why we merged forces and we started up Star Events South
America, based in Brazil. Together we created a good team which will
announce a TriStar111 in Brazil for 2012 this season very shortly. I
cannot compete with the PRO athletes I’m just here to have fun, to
practice a lovely sport as a good way to stay fit for the Formula 1 and
to share this experience and great moments with some friends.”
Stéphane Diagana (FRA) former pro athlete and Olympic gold medallist:
“I’m
part of a Relay Team, I will swim 1 km –my first time in the sea!– and
then my mates will finish the race. We will cross the finish line
together. I’m so excited, and I will try to do my best and have a really
nice day!”
Live Rankings and full results, Leaderboards, Updates and images on www.TriStarLive.com
TheTriStar label is presented by Star Events, a Monaco based company
specializing in organizing high quality sports events that are focused
on fun, social responsibility and environmental protection. The TriStar
Series has grown to 27 races in these 14 destinations in less than three
years: Nevis (St.Kitts and Nevis), Mallorca and Madrid (Spain), Lyon,
Deauville and Cannes (France), Split (Croatia), Worms-Germany (Germany),
Salzkammergut and Kufstein (Austria), Milton Keynes (United Kingdom),
Estonia-Otepää (Estonia), Minnesota (USA), Monaco (Monaco). TriStar has
introduced new distances to the sport of triathlon (A/N: 111km and
222km), officially recognized by ITU, as well as a brand new Team Racing
ConceptT5. More Info: www.tristarseries.com and www.star-events.cc