Penticton – The City of Penticton has recommended the Challenge Family negotiate a licence to operate the Challenge Penticton Canada race for 2015 with Kevin Cutjar and Michael Brown.

The partners outlined their vision for the race through the Expressions of Interest and Statements of Qualifications process. This competitive bid process yielded three submissions, and a thorough evaluation process concluded with in-depth interviews this week.

“Kevin Cutjar is well-known in Penticton by athletes and the community for his passion and dedication to the sport of triathlon, and his partner, Michael Brown, has experience with race operations and management. Council selected this partnership because of the vision they presented to make Challenge Penticton Canada the iconic race we believe it can be,” said Mayor Garry Litke. “We sincerely thank all those who responded to the EOI process. Seeing the interest confirms the Penticton triathlon race legacy will continue.”

Kevin Cutjar is a former professional triathlete known for capturing titles such as Ultraman World Championships (1995) and top 10 finishes in Ironman Canada, as well as his coaching experience. He developed strong networks in the triathlon community assisting with Ironman for 20 years and as a former owner and race director of the B.C. Duathlon Championships.

Michael Brown is also a triathlete and owner/operator of the Great White North triathlon in Stony Plain, Alta., which attracts over 1,000 athletes.

The Cutjar-Brown proposal featured an increased focus on triathlete communication, week-long festival, maintenance of the iconic single-loop race course and commitment to a guaranteed five-year debt repayment plan.

The non-profit Penticton Triathlon Race Society will continue operations of the race until the conclusion of the 2014 race. The Challenge Family must negotiate an agreement with the successful proponent to organize and operate the 2015 Challenge Penticton Canada.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014