The Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation is proud to announce that they have signed a five-year contract extension to hold the Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon in Madison through 2011.

"We are thrilled to continue to bring this great event to the city of Madison, Dane County and Wisconsin," stated Ron Vincent, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation. "This is a world-class event that will continue to be held in a world-class city."

2006 marks the fifth year that the Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon has called Madison home.

"We are excited to continue our strong relationship with Madison and the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation," said Shane Facteau, Director of Operations for Ironman North America. "Ford Ironman Wisconsin is one of the premier triathlons in the world and that is directly tied to our relationship with the local communities and the strong support we get from WSDC."

This years Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon, one of only six Ironman Triathlons in North America, will be held in and around Madison on Sunday, September 10, 2006.

To learn more about the Ford Ironman triathlon visit www.ironmanwisconsin.com or call 608-226-4780.

Local sponsors for the Ford Ironman Triathlon include Charter Communications, Alliant Energy, Ryan Brothers, City of Madison, Madison Concourse Hotel, WIBA AM 1310, North Central Group, TravelWisconsin.com, Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, Midwest Airlines and ESPN Radio 1070.

Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation is a nonprofit sports management organization that helps develop sports tourism in Wisconsin and promotes positive lifestyles and physical fitness through amateur athletic events and health education programs. WSDC properties include the Badger State Games, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, Paddle and Portage, Shape Up Wisconsin Kids, Lighten Up Wisconsin and the Fit Kids Challenge. WSDC is also the local host of the Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon.