The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has announced the 2024 PTO Tour will be going to Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada, with the creation of the inaugural PTO Lake Las Vegas Open on 19-20 October, 2024.
Taking place around the picturesque Lake Las Vegas on the grounds of Reflection Bay Golf Club and The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa, this will be the PTO Tour’s exciting debut in ‘the entertainment capital of the world’.
An action-packed weekend will include the PTO’s new 100km (2km swim; 80km bike; 18km run) race distance featuring the world’s top 20 female and male professionals and an equivalent 100km [62 miles] triathlon for amateur participants around the same course.
Welcoming the news, PTO CEO Sam Renouf said: “It is very exciting to be announcing that the PTO Tour will be making its Lake Las Vegas debut later this year around the stunning surroundings of Henderson, Nevada. This is just the kind of iconic location the PTO Tour aspires to visit, so it’s a positive endorsement of our strategy and the journey that we’re on, although we’ve got a long way to go.
“A huge thank you must go to Mayor Romero of Henderson for sharing our vision for bringing world class triathlon to the city and helping to navigate all the different and often complex approvals. Thanks also to Cody Winterton of Raintree, who will be working with the PTO to put on the event, and Greg Gooding, the General Manager of The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa, who’ll be hosting us in their impressive resort and grounds. We can’t wait to get started on the next stage of preparations.”
Speaking on behalf of Henderson, Mayor Michelle Romero said: “Henderson has become a premier sports destination, and we are thrilled to welcome the Professional Triathletes Organization and top-ranked triathletes from around the world to our city. Reflection Bay Golf Club and The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa will provide a beautiful backdrop as the host location for this international event, one of only eight in the world this year. We welcome these professional and amateur athletes and their families to discover all the wonderful amenities that Lake Las Vegas and all of Henderson have to offer.”
Commenting on behalf of Raintree Investment Corporation, the developer of Lake Las Vegas and the investment group who will be working with the PTO to deliver the weekend of racing and events, its Division President Cody Winterton said: “Lake Las Vegas is known for its outdoor fitness opportunities, so hosting the world’s most prolific triathletes for this event was a natural partnership. From swimming the lake and running the golf course trails, to biking throughout the community and surrounding Henderson locations, we are honoured to be a part of this marquee event.”
Leading US triathletes were quick to share their enthusiasm. 2022 Ironman World Champion and current PTO World #11 Chelsea Sodaro said: “The Lake Las Vegas event is a huge addition to the 2024 PTO Tour schedule. Racing in the USA is always extra special for me so this will be a weekend that I am circling on my calendar.”
American favourite and PTO World #9 Sam Long added: “I’ve already said that I’m looking forward to a lot of things in 2024, including the PTO Tour and getting married. So to have this kind of a race only a stone’s throw from where I’m based and train in Tucson will be awesome. I plan on preparing to win because that will make my post race bachelor party that much more epic! Yo Yo Yo!”
Amateurs and everyday athletes interested in taking part in the 100km triathlon can head to the PTO website to register their interest from today. With places expected to be very popular when they go on sale in February, registering ahead of time is advised. All amateurs who sign up to the race will also have the exclusive opportunity to stay with the pros in the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa and book in for 2 nights at one of Nevada’s finest resorts. These places are open to participants of all abilities, giving regular triathlon and fitness enthusiasts the unique opportunity to challenge themselves on the same course as the world’s best professionals, and then the opportunity to watch the pros race in a festival atmosphere once they have finished.