Trek Bicycle has signed on as title sponsor of a new women’s triathlon Series. The Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is targeting 12 cities for 2009 with more than 25,000 entrants anticipated. The Series is aimed at breaking down barriers for women athletes by providing a fun, supportive and non-intimidating atmosphere for aspiring and experienced athletes alike.

The Series Director, Maggie Sullivan, was the director of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series from 1992-2008. Sullivan has played an integral role in the building of events that have caused participation by women in the sport of triathlon to soar over the past 17 years. Together with a seasoned group of triathlon veterans, including Hall of Fame triathlete Sally Edwards, Sullivan will lead a team of talented event promotion specialists to bring life-changing experiences to women and girls across the USA.

“I am very excited to launch this new Series. I am confident that we, in partnership with the team at Trek, will deliver the remarkable life changing experiences that have been experienced by so many women across the country who have participated in triathlon races,” said Sullivan.

“I've dedicated my life to encouraging women to become more physically active and to use triathlons as a means to achieve their life goals,” said Edwards, CEO of HeartZones USA and best-selling author of 22 books on triathlon and fitness training. “I am so proud to be joining this new Series, which will enable me to take these efforts to a whole new level.” Edwards will serve as the Spokeswoman for the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series. She was formerly the Spokeswoman for the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series.

Built around the sprint distance race format (1/2-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3-mile run), Trek Women’s Triathlons are planned for a dozen markets across the country, with events slated for California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New York Metro, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Selected cities within the Series will also include “youth focused” triathlons. The first Trek Women’s Triathlon will debut in Florida in 2009.

A final 2009 schedule is expected to be announced by December 31, 2008.

The Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is a property of The Xxtra Mile, LLC a New York-based company focused on promoting active lifestyles for women and girls.