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Now in its 21st year, the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is aiming to continue its impressive reputation over this weekend (Friday 15th to Sunday 17th March).

With over 5,000 individual and team competitors taking to the renowned Mooloolaba Triathlon course in 2013, Mooloolaba will open the 2013 International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup season, marking the ninth year the Sunshine Coast destination will host a World Cup race.

And while the prestigious ITU World Cup is held for elite athletes, the Mooloolaba ITU Premium Oceania Cup also provides rising stars with the opportunity to earn valuable qualifying points.

The Mooloolaba Triathlon features as race two in the 2012/2013 Luke Harrop Bursary, the first race being the Noosa Triathlon and the final round on the Gold Coast - Luke Harrop Memorial, on Sunday 14th April. The Bursary provides financial assistance to Under 23 athletes.

Celebrating the 21st anniversary, USM Events and Ironman Asia-Pacific Chief Executive Geoff Meyer explains "the ITU World Cup series is a critical pathway that paves a bridge to elite success for ITU athletes. Mooloolaba has always attracted a world class field as many international teams base themselves on the Sunshine Coast in preparation for the upcoming season.

"The SUBARU Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup continues to be a race favourite, providing fast and exciting racing over one of the world's toughest courses. In addition the World Cup is a chance for athletes to secure vital qualifying points towards the World Championships in London."

The world's best triathlete's will come together on Saturday 16th March (Elite Men at 3pm) and Sunday 17th March (Elite Women at 12:45pm) to contest the first leg of the ITU World Cup series.

Since the first Mooloolaba Triathlon in May 1993 the event has grown to become the second largest triathlon in Australia behind its counterpart Noosa, which opens the triathlon season.

The Olympic distance Mooloolaba Triathlon is the centre piece of a three-day multi-sport festival that celebrates the best of the Australian beach and summer lifestyle.

Across the three days of events close to 9,000 competitors will have taken part and approximately 70,000 spectators will enjoy all the weekend has to offer.

Meyer adds "participant numbers across all events have more than doubled since 2008 which is a great testament to the festival and hard work invested. It is a great outcome for the event and the local economy."

New to 2013 line-up is the Mooloolaba Special Triathlon. The Mooloolaba Special Triathlon is one of three only triathlon specifically held for people with special needs. All participants receive a participation medallion. This triathlon showcases some of the most special moments of the weekend with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment.

There is also the massive Mooloolaba Sport and Lifestyle Expo which will be open across the three days. This year a bigger variety of exhibitors will be sampling, selling and displaying their products. Presentations on Sunday afternoon at the Wharf Tavern and after party are a must.

The Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events across the Queensland.

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