Alanya, Turkey is going to be the fifth Premium European Cup in 2008, the last in this triathlon season. The Turkish tourist paradise organized its first international triathlon event in 1991, giving the event one of the longest histories in triathlon. As an important centre of the Mediterranean, Alanya offers terrific conditions for both participants and the spectators. This Sunday’s races are changing pace by hosting the Junior European cup in the morning, leaving the Premium cup for later in the afternoon. The junior men head off at 9:15am local time (EEST/GMT+3) followed by the junior women at 9:35am; while the elite men start at 11:30am followed by the elite women at 1:45pm. The one lap swim course around the Alanya harbour in warm 24°C water should prove to be a breeze for the eager athletes.
Winner in Vienna’s European cup this September, Rebecca Robisch of Germany is one to watch on Sunday. Robisch continues to climb the triathlon rankings with multiple podium finishes over the past three years. Polish Olympians Maria Czesnik and Eva Dederko are going to the start line; as well as fellow Olympian and last year’s Alanya champion Yuliya Sapunova of Ukraine. Ukraine is also bringing out Olesys Prystayko, racing for 19 points to take the number one rank in this European cup series. Emmie Charayron of France, junior European champion in Lisbon this May, and Netherland’s Birgit Berk will also be competing.
Click here for full women’s start list
For the elite men, Olympians Peter Croes of Belgium, Marek Jaskolka of Czeck Republic, Alexander Brukhankov of Russia, and Daniil Sapunov of Kazakhstan, are striving to land in the top ten and their chance at the 25,000 Euro prize money up for grabs. 2007 under23 European champion, Ritchie Nicholls of Great Britain will be competing with the elite men, fighting for the gold. Russia’s Yulian Malyshev, last year’s Alanya champion, is back to defend his title.
Click here for full men’s start list
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