An Extraordinary Congress was held in Eilat on Thursday 19 April following a vote of no confidence in the ETU Board.

Following elections, Renato Bertrandi (ITA) was elected as President of the European Triathlon Union.

Dr. Sarah Springman CBE (GBR) was elected as Vice President of the European Triathlon Union and Alicia Garcia was elected as Treasurer.

Four new members were elected to the ETU Executive Board in: Krzysztof Piątkowski (POL), Henrique Arraiolos (POR), Sonia Oberem (GER) and George Yerolimpos (GRE).

Board Members retained are Eugene Kraus (LUX), Denis Jaeger (FRA) and Kathleen Smet (BEL), who remains Secretary General.

Renato Bertrandi said: “First of all, I am delighted and honoured to be elected as President of the European Triathlon Union.

“I am pleased to have a united board and a common goal with our Federations. The experience, personality and passion for Triathlon that Sarah, George, Kris and Sonia will bring is invaluable.

“At the moment Europe is facing difficult economic times that will probably last for quite a while. However, new opportunities always come out of a crisis and our sport must be ready to embrace these.

“The core values of Triathlon: determination, commitment and success through hard work, will help us overcome this crisis.

“The ETU is strong – we have strength on the board, the best athletes and the best races.

“I must also express my gratitude to Philip Schaedler. Philip is a great man. I want to thank him for his honesty, integrity and dedication to triathlon.”