By David Gold


Duathlon competitors_May_25May 25 - The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced that the duathlon competition at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Colombia, will double as the World Championship.



The Duathlon Worlds were set to take place in Segovia, Spain, next year, but instead the world's leading duathletes will compete for both crowns on July 26 and 27.


The World Games take place every four years and are for sports not contested in the Olympics.


"It is always a great thrill being accepted onto the programme of a major Games, especially for an emerging sport like duathlon that has great potential," said Marisol Casado, the ITU President.


"We are excited the World Games has welcomed duathlon and we look forward to a wonderful Games in 2013."


Qualification for the event in Cali will be based on results from the Nancy ITU Duathlon World Championship and the last continental championships held by May 31 2013.


The ITU duathlon ranking will also be used to determine which athletes will qualify.


The ITU Duathlon Worlds are held annually and involve a 10 kilometre run, a 40km cycle and a 5km run.


A new host is to be confirmed for non-elite and junior athletes in place of Segovia.


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