The Sooke Subaru Triathalon committee has their sights set on putting SookeB次元官网网址檚 scenic vistas on the national sporting map.

Matt Mortensen, Sooke Subaru Triathlon race director, said a representative from Triathlon Canada came to view last yearB次元官网网址檚 triathlon for a bid to host the 2013 national triathlon.

B次元官网网址淚t went really well and we are very hopeful weB次元官网网址檒l get the nationals next year,B次元官网网址� Mortensen said.

With last yearB次元官网网址檚 TSN coverage of the Sooke triathlon, Mortensen said the area has garnered national attention, but added the aspirations donB次元官网网址檛 stop there.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e also investigating this possibility of hosting a world triathlon event. If we have a good track record, and they really like the race, and they really like the venue, thereB次元官网网址檚 a good chance we could host a world championship.B次元官网网址�

He said the potential for a world championship in Sooke is high, as the natural venues utilized are incomparable in value. The committee is currently investigating opportunities for 2014 or 2015.

B次元官网网址淚 canB次元官网网址檛 think of any race that IB次元官网网址檝e ever been in thatB次元官网网址檚 more beautiful than Sooke,B次元官网网址� he said.

The event already attracts athletes from 22 different countries, with a total of 570 participants last year.

In order to make the Sooke Subaru Triathlon a B次元官网网址渨orld class event,B次元官网网址� and ensure success in 2012, the 22-person Sooke Subaru Triathlon committee is working on road closure efficiencies and rallying support from the community and businesses.

B次元官网网址淲hen competitors come driving into the city and they see B次元官网网址榃elcome competitors,B次元官网网址� B次元官网网址楪ood luck triathletes,B次元官网网址� it shows the competitors that the community cares,B次元官网网址� Mortensen said. B次元官网网址淚f we show our hospitality then the chances are people are more likely to come back and race over and over again.B次元官网网址�

Mortensen said businesses can express their support by simply posting up signs and banners, adding he has a vision of the entire community on the sidelines, cheering, embracing and enjoying the race.

The next Sooke Subaru Triathlon will take place on Aug. 12, with three different events: the sprint (800 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run), Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run), and half Ironman (1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21 km run). Each event will have a team entry.

Competitors will begin with a swim at YoungB次元官网网址檚 Lake, then ride their bikes down the West Coast Road and finish with a long distance run along Whiffin Spit.

There will also be a pro-chase event, where women and men will go head-to-head.

Women will be given a head start, and then the men will be released afterwards. The winner will receive $15,000.

For more on the upcoming Subaru Western Triathlon series with races in Shawnigan, Victoria, Vancouver, Sooke and Banff, see triseries.ca.