The virtual race app will make up for all your missed triathlon tournaments

By Nicole Ganglani | Photo from IRONMAN/Facebook

Due to the COVID-19 crisis and multiple canceled triathlon events this year, Ironman has announced that they will be launching its own virtual training and racing platform on Apr. 1. 

The virtual training and racing app will allow athletes to train and compete wherever they are and get the chance to earn a slot to qualify in the 2020 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand. The app, which you can download for free, will allow you to track your training and compete in weekly challenges with triathletes around the world. 

“We believe that under extraordinary circumstances such as these, athletes should be able to maintain the structure and continuity that training and competition provides. The Ironman Virtual Club is an innovative digital platform that enables our athletes to continue training with purpose, remain connected to our community and provides an opportunity to compete through the Ironman VR Series,” says Ironman president and CEO Andrew Massick. 

Triathletes will get to compete with their respective age-group categories in virtual races that will take place every weekend. The race fees have yet to be announced but each tournament will consist of different formats and distances. Finishers will also be rewarded with collectible virtual race medals and T-shirts if they finish the tournament successfully. 

There will also be a women’s and men’s Ironman VR Pro Challenge every weekend. Two professional female athletes will go up against each other on Saturday while the male athletes will compete on Sunday for prize money. Additionally, there’s an activity-based loyalty point system program made for members who will be rewarded with merchandise and discounts if they earn enough points. 

More details will be available at the app’s launch on Apr. 1.

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