While proclaimed a “surfer’s paradise,” the coastal city is a hub for triathlon, having hosted World Championship races in 1991 and 2009.

The Gold Coast, Australia will host the 2018 International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Grand Final, which will also include the Para-triathlon World Championships. The announcement came on 19 May following an ITU executive board meeting that was held in conjunction with the World Triathlon Yokohama last week.

While proclaimed a “surfer’s paradise,” the coastal city is a hub for triathlon, having hosted World Championship races in 1991 and 2009.

The ITU has also opened bidding for the 2016 ITU World Paratriathlon Events (WPE) to all National Federations and cities interested in hosting the premier races.

“Next year will be a pinnacle year for the sport of para-triathlon, as athletes race to qualify for the Paralympic Games for the very first time,” said ITU president and International Olympic Committee member Marisol Casado. “Hosting a World Para-triathlon Event offers cities the opportunity to view these inspirational athletes just months before they hit the international stage in the Rio 2016 Paralympics.”

Para-triathletes gain points at each WPE race to qualify for berths to the World Championships, which is held in conjunction with the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final.

World Para-triathlon Events are held on every continent, and the events hosted until 30 June 2016 will become especially important, as they will offer qualification points for Rio 2016.

Cities interested in hosting a World Para-triathlon Event must submit bid documents in conjunction with their respective National Federations. Click here for the Paralympic qualification list, and visit the ITU's website for more information.