Greetings Triathletes and Friends,
It is a real pleasure for us to be writing this letter on behalf of the Professional Triathletes Organisation as we announce our partnership with Crankstart Investments and that the inaugural Collins Cup will be held from 29–30th May 2020 at the x-bionic® sphere, in Samorin, Slovakia. The Collins Cup, with its $2,000,000 prize purse, will feature triathlon’s best athletes representing their respect teams, the United States, Europe and the Internationals, in a global battle for triathlon supremacy!
We would like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about the PTO and its goals. The PTO is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to grow the sport of triathlon. Our simple and fundamental mission is to celebrate the sport of triathlon.
We love this sport with a passion and know that this passion is shared by many. We have a great appreciation for all those who contribute to triathlon and make it the sport it is: from the race organisers who make racing possible; the incredible volunteers who selflessly devote their time to helping out; the governing bodies; the fans, the supporters; the hard-working media; the photographers capturing all those painful grimaces; and so many others. There is a lot to love about this sport: the day to day training; those 5:00am swims (?!); the long days in the saddle; the feeling of nailing an interval session; the feeling of pushing ourselves to beyond what we thought our limits were. Then there’s the racing: the love/hate relationship we have with those moments before the start gun goes off; the feeling of crossing the finishing line knowing you’ve left everything out on the course; we love the struggle on those days when things don't come easy and of course we love the friendships forged after the racing is done.
But most of all we love you. Simply put: this sport wouldn’t be possible without the triathlon community: the fun loving, committed people who do this mad, crazy, outlandish, yet beloved sport. The camaraderie and fellowship this sport enjoys due to the very nature of both professionals and age groupers lining up each time with a gazillion like-minded individuals, is deep, meaningful, often emotional and unique among sports. We are inspired by the age grouper mother of four who wakes up at 4:00am to sneak an hour on her trainer. We salute the businessperson who fits in training sessions on flight layovers. We are in awe of the challenged athletes who contribute so much to the sport, overcoming trials that are really beyond comprehension. For the members of the PTO it is a privilege and an honour to be able to earn a living by doing a sport we love so much. We are grateful because for us it is not solely about making a living but about living a life. If triathlon is anything, it is a condensed microcosm of life, with its challenges, goals, preparation, perseverance, hopes, failures and successes.
As we are inspired by all of you, we equally hope we can be an inspiration to you as we share our passion for this wonderful sport. In fact, the word hope very much encompasses the essence of our sport, that combined with perseverance, which is why the PTO has adopted as its motto, “Dum Spiro, Spero—Whilst I breathe, I hope.”
The PTO is honoured to be able to join the Triathlon Community and begin to contribute to the sport we all love so much. While we will not be a perfect organisation and, no doubt, will make our share of mistakes, if we are all patient with each other we believe great things will happen for our sport for the benefit of all.
We are excited about The Collins Cup 2020 being set for May 29–30th. The Collins Cup is designed to be not only an adrenalin-filled competition, but also an event that celebrates our sport and captures the excitement of triathletes around the globe. We look forward to welcoming you to the x-bionic® sphere for the Showdown at Samorin. In the meantime, we wish you all a great season—full of hope. Between now and then, feel free to give us a shout out if you see us at an event.
Rachel Joyce –– Co-President
Tim O'Donnell –– Co-President