InstantNewsKaty.com

Katy City Council has given final approval for a September triathlon event, as well as a revision to the route of a bicycle ride this Sunday.

Changes to the route of the Katy Flatland Century bike ride were made at the recommendation of Katy Police Sgt. Jack Field.

Those changes will enhance safety, according to Northwest Cycling Club Secretary Daniel Sanchez.

“The changes involve using Morton Ranch Road, as in last year’s ride, and in the just recently completed Katy-Fort Bend (Road) extension to return to Rhodes Stadium,” Sanchez said in an e-mail to City Secretary Missy Bunch. “The route leaving Rhodes (Stadium) is the same as previously approved. These changes will make the ride much safer.”

The original plan was approved by city council in March; the revised route was approved by the Katy Police Department on June 23.

Council also gave its okay to the 18^th Annual Jeff & Brede’s Houston Racing Triathlon, scheduled for Sept. 12. The triathlon is a sprint distance event consisting of a 400-meter pool swim, 14-mile bicycle ride and 3.1-mile run.

The swim will take place at the Katy High School pool. The run will start and finish at Katy High School and go from the campus to Pin Oak Road and back. The ride will go from the high school to the area of Houston Executive Airport in Waller County and back.

According to the Houston Racing Triathlon Club, the event sponsor, approximately 450 participants are expected to take part.

The triathlon is named for Jeff Trevino and Brede Klefos, two club members who sponsor the event. Proceeds are used to promote the growth of triathlon through such activities as the Kiwanis Kids Triathlon, sponsorship of inner-city athletic events and the sponsorship of sports camps.

The police department also reviewed and approved the triathlon routes.