The announcement coincided with the first meeting of the Local Organising Committee at the Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, where the event will be held in November 2016.

“Lake Crackenback is the first location in the southern hemisphere to host the event, and will provide a significant boost to the region,” said Mr Barilaro.

“I am pleased the event has been secured for the region by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, in partnership with Triathlon Australia.

“The Snowy Mountains region is now the Australian capital of adventure sports, having already hosted the Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships this year, and hosting both the Australian National Cross Triathlon Championships and Cross Triathlon World Championships in 2016. Each of these events has been supported by the NSW Government.

“The NSW Government is working in partnership with Triathlon Australia and In2Adventure to make the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships a successful event that showcases the best of our beautiful region.”

Cross triathlon is an off-road test of endurance, with competitors undertaking a combination of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. The inaugural Cross Triathlon World Championships were held in Spain in 2011, with subsequent events held in the USA, Netherlands and Germany.

“Cross Triathlon is growing rapidly in popularity, and securing the Cross Triathlon World Championships in 2016 will provide the Snowy Mountains with worldwide exposure,” said Mr Barilaro.

“The Championships will highlight our spectacular wilderness, and the superb facilities available for mountain biking, hiking and trail running.

“I look forward to welcoming athletes from across Australia and the world to the Snowy Mountains in November 2016.”

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