Courtesy: USAT

USA Triathlon (USAT) CEO Skip Gilbert and World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) President and CEO Ben Fertic met last week to resolve the issues that had separated these two organizations for the majority of 2005.

Based on the International Triathlon Union "Athlete's First" creed which is relevant to all those associated with the sport of triathlon, WTC and USAT have committed to forge a long-term partnership reigniting their collective energy on growth of the sport, their respective brands, and their relationship with the multi-sport athlete. Beginning in May, all WTC-affiliated races will receive a USAT sanction.

"We are pleased that a resolution has been reached and we are excited to begin moving forward as a unified front and providing our athletes the best services possible," said Fertic.

For the tens of thousands of athletes who compete in USAT and WTC races, this agreement could not have happened quickly enough. While WTC sanctioning won't officially begin until May, USAT will support the athlete community by providing rankings for all 2006 WTC races. USAT will soon release further information about annual memberships and the integration into the Ironman events.

"It has been a difficult year for the triathlon community, and bringing two of the most influential organizations back together again is a great way to start the 2006 racing season," said Gilbert. "WTC and USAT can now refocus solely on growing the sport and building programs to support our athletes."