The European Triathlon Union hope 2014 can be an important year for Cross Triathlon with the inaugural ETU TNatura Cross Triathlon series.

Last year, both ETU and TNatura, collaborated to promote the sport of Cross Triathlon with two races in Orosei, Italy and Lake Titisee, Germany.

The long term goal of these races was to put together a dedicated Cross Triathlon event programme to help develop the sport and create more interest in this format of triathlon.

Following the success of both races in 2013, ETU and TNatura will continue their partnership and jointly host the 2014 Cross Triathlon Series.

Sandro Salerno, CEO of Island Group, the company behind the brand of TNatura, said: “TNatura and ETU are determined to increase the level of Elite and Age Group athletes participating in high level mountain bike and cross triathlon events.

“Our attention is focused on the quality of organisation, as well as hosting races in some of the most stunning and aesthetically pleasing environments in Europe. This is to satisfy both the demand of the athlete and the supporting families.

“ETU TNatura is a young project but it is already successful. We had a lot of demand to add to the Series but we have decided to select four races for 2014 so that we can guarantee good organisation and start in the best way.'

The 2014 ETU TNatura Cross Triathlon European Series is as follows:

1st June 2014 – Sardinia (Italy) – ETU Cross Triathlon European Championship

22nd June 2014 - Predni Vyton (Czech Rep)

13th July 2014 – Schluchsee (Germany)

21st September 2014 – Pokljuka (Slovenia)

For more information on the ETU TNatura Cross triathlon Series please visit the ETU website or http://www.tnaturaevents.com/en