Le Coco Beach in Mauritius with its azure skies, emerald coves and crystal-clear seas stretching to the protective barrier-reef in the distance offers the picture perfect venue for the 2007 African ITU Triathlon Championships.

Action will start on Wednesday 28 March with an ITU Technical Officials workshop for local event organizers and officials, hosted by ITU Technical delegate, Gergely Markus.

Saturday is race day, with temperatures expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius, and a light breeze expected to help keep the athletes cool. The junior races start at 10:15, the elite and U23 women line up at 13:30 and the final event of the day will be the elite and U23 men at 15:45.

Kate Roberts and Erhard Wolfaard of South Africa are the defending elite champions while Corinne Berg and Gian Wolfaard  have the U23 titles to their names. However there is stiff competition from Hendrik De Villiers in the men’s race after his impressive form in last years world cup series, and from Mari Rabie in the women’s race. Marie – an ITU BG scholarship athlete hopes to continue to improve her form and challenge Roberts for the gold medal.

In the junior women’s event it’s a mix up between Jennifer Henrisson (MRI), Ashley Finaughty (ZIM) or Vicky van der Merwe (RSA), with any of the athletes capable of taking top honours. Wikus Weber and Loy de Jager of South Africa will continue their battle for top spot in the junior men’s category.

Click here for race information.

Marie Rabie an ITU BG Scholarship athlete hopes to challenge Kate Roberts for the crown of ITU African Champions this weekend.

Hendrik De Villiers (left) hopes he can keep up last years impressive form.