The presence of Challenge Cairns in Port Douglas will be bigger and better in 2012 despite the recent take over of event owner USM EVENTS by World Triathlon Corporation.

Media Manager for USM EVENTS, Lisa Pringle, said there will be more elite athletes taking part this year, and efforts will be made to build on last year's inaugural event including plans to get Port Douglas buzzing to create a festival atmosphere.

"We're certainly looking at ramping things up this year with the live screen and having a whole entertainment package around that," Ms Pringle said.

"A lot of focus will also be put on the events on the weekend prior like the Coral Coast (triathlon), the RRR mountain bike (race), Hekili paddling so that's a real focus.

"We'll be increasing our focus on the Port Douglas region with Challenge Cairns."

Ms Pringle said there would be no job losses attributed to the acquisition of USM Events by WTC.

"You can't expand your race calendar without having the staff to run the event. The staff are one of the most critical factors and one of the company’s biggest assets. The staff are all very specialised.

She said it was the festival format which attracted WTC to make an offer on the event business and said people wanted more than a single day format.

"It just works in these fantastic destinations. People are wanting more than just a one day race, they are wanting a whole event experience and they want a holiday as well." 


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