All eyes will be on Germany this weekend as athletes all over the globe tackle the greatest triathlon challenges.
In the north, the World Triathlon Series continues in Hamburg. To the south and the stunning Black Forest highlands, the inaugural ETU TNatura Cross Triathlon series continues with a European Cross Triathlon Cup in Schluchsee.
After the success of several triathlon events at Schluchsee over the years, the venue has opened up to accommodate the Cross Triathlon event, which is a crucial race in the Cross Triathlon series.
After the opening Cross Triathlon European Championships in Sardinia, Predni Vyton (CZE) held the first European Cup last month. The final will take place in Slovenia in September.
All competitions are standard Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 30km mountain bike and 10 km run).
In the Elite Women’s race, Katrin Muller (GER) and Renata Bucher (SUI) have claimed victory at Sardinia and Predni Vyton. European Champion Muller will line up at Schluchsee looking to claim a Cross double. Maud Golsteyn (NED) was runner up in Predni Vyton and will look to go one better here.
In the Elite Men’s race, Jan Kubicek (CZE) won the first Cross Triathlon European Cup on home turf in Predni Vyton. Kubicek will have to battle against European Cross Champion Kris Coddens (BEL) here and Jim Thijs (BEL) will also be strong contender.
For more information, www.crosstriathlon-schluchsee.de and http://www.tnaturaevents.com/en
2014 Schluchsee ETU European Cross Triathlon Cup