“Known as the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship, the two-day event next April will attract some of the world’s best and toughest athletes, and the spectacular coast line of the Jervis Bay area will provide a fitting location to host this triathlon event,” Mrs Hancock said.

“I’m delighted that the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship has been secured for Jervis Bay for the next three years.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes and their families from around the world to NSW and the beautiful Jervis Bay region, a playground for surfers, bikers, runners, and nature lovers alike.

“XTERRA is all about celebrating the healthy, active, outdoors lifestyle – a perfect fit with life on the NSW South Coast.”

XTERRA, owned and produced by Hawaiian based TEAM Unlimited, is a series of off-road triathlon races. It includes open water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running.

The inaugural XTERRA Asian-Pacific Championships event, taking place on Saturday 26 April and Sunday April 27, 2014, will double as the XTERRA Australia Championship. The weekend will also include a sprint distance off-road triathlon, trail runs, kids’ events, camps, clinics, and social gatherings.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said: “The NSW Government works hard to secure major events for regional NSW and XTERRA is a fantastic new addition to the NSW Events calendar. It will attract thousands of visitors and bring millions of dollars to the local area over the next three years”.

“As the most prestigious event in XTERRA’s Asia-Pacific series that includes championship races in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Guam, and the Northern Marianas – the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship will offer $50,000 in prize money to the sport’s top professional athletes and two television shows will be produced for international distribution”.

Minister for Sport, Gabrielle Upton said: “”Securing the event for both NSW and the Jervis Bay area forms a key part of our strategy to attract sporting events to regional NSW.

“The South Coast is a spectacular region of New South Wales, and this event provides a great opportunity for athletes and their supporters to explore the great food, wine and recreational activities in the region.”

Tom Kiely, CEO of the Hawaiian based events promoters TEAM Unlimited, said: “We are absolutely delighted to partner with the NSW Government in bringing one of the major pillar events in the XTERRA World Tour to the New South Wales and Jervis Bay region.

“Our athletes will be treated to a remarkable setting for a race and perhaps more importantly, a truly amazing adventure destination to explore and discover before and after the big event.”

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