What a spectacle on Saturday, 13th May, in Caorle for the Europe Triathlon Junior Cup and the Europe Triathlon Cup. The second day of the international competition organized by Silca Ultralite Vittorio Veneto, with the support of Europe Triathlon, Italian Triathlon Federation and the Municipality of Caorle, and under the patronage of the Veneto Region, was filled with competitive spirit, enthusiastic spectators, and plenty of sport.
In the elite category, after fiercely contested races, the winners were England's Connor Bentley (ahead of his compatriot Ben Dijkstra and France's Valentin Morlec) and Germany's Selina Klamt (ahead of England's Sian Rainsley and Spain's Cecilia Santamaria Surroca). The junior race saw a splendid third victory in three editions of the Caorle competition for the eighteen-year-old Italian Euan De Nigro (with France's Nils Serre Gehri and Pablo Isotton trailing). In the women's race, the winner was 15-year-old Hungarian Fanni Szalai (followed by France's Manon Laporte and Ilona Hadhoum). The juniors were surprised by exclusive athlete kits prior to the races linked with the Rising Stars project (www.risingstarstri.com), that then could be seen worn around the race course during the days of competition. If you missed any of the action, you can rewatch the full races on our YouTube channel.
Women's Junior Race
The intense race day started at 13.30 with the Junior women's category. After a 300-meter swim, Laporte, Szalai, and England's Whitaker emerged in a tight group. During the 9.5 km bike ride, the lead alternated among the athletes. However, Italy's Alice Alessandri made a swift transition into the final 1.9 km run, being the fastest in the bike-to-run transition. Shortly after, the 15-year-old Hungarian Szalai took the lead and gradually increased her advantage, ultimately raising her hands in victory under the finish line on Corso Venezia.
Men's Junior Race
The first to emerge from the waters of the Adriatic Sea was Hungary's Zalan Hobor. Euan De Nigro took the lead in the first lap of the cycling race, setting a formidable pace. A dozen athletes, including the fast Italian Espuna Larramona, entered the transition zone for the second transition, with Hobor being the fastest. However, at the end of the race, it was once again Euan De Nigro, securing victory for the third time in Caorle.
Elite Women's Race
The elite women's race saw Vermeylen, Denizot, Rainsley, and Klamt leading after a 750-meter swim. However, the final rush saw Germany's Klamt outpacing the competition, beating England's Sian Rainsley and Spain's Cecilia Santamaria Surroca to claim victory.
Elite Men's Race
The men's race commenced at 18.00. After the 750-meter swim, Germany's Henry Graf, flanked by Italy's Nicolò Strada and Alessio Crociani, were the first to emerge. However, the final sprint was dominated by England's Connor Bentley, leaving behind his compatriot Ben Dijkstra and France's Valentin Morlec to secure his first win in Italy.
Mixed Team Relays
The Europe Triathlon Cup in Caorle witnessed a thrilling victory for the Hungarian team, with Fanni Szalai, the fourth relay runner, crossing the finish line first on Corso Venezia. Following her individual win, the 15-year-old Hungarian raised her arms in victory for the second time in the mixed junior relay race, the final event of the competition.
The event, held in the waters, on the beach and streets of Porto Santa Margherita and Altanea, showcased an exhilarating battle between nations. France took second place, with Italy following closely in third. The morning had been dedicated to the under 20s, paving the way for the 560 Age Group Triathlon Sprint Rank Gold Città di Caorle. Francesca Crestani (Valdigne Triathlon) triumphed, followed by Laura Ceddia (Raschiani Triathlon) and Elisa Marcon (Cus Propatria Milano Triathlon). The men's race was won by Federico Spinazzè (Silca Ultralite Vittorio Veneto), followed by Giovanni Pavanello (Eroi del Piave) and Alberto Bartolomeo Demarchi (Cuneo 1198 Triteam).
The mixed junior relay race of the Europe Triathlon Cup began at 9 a.m. with the first relay runners of the 32 competing teams diving into the water for the initial swim stage (300 meters). The early leaders were Hungarian Hobor and Italians De Nigro and Giovannini. They were soon caught up by Great Britain, France, and the two Spanish teams.
As the competition progressed, the lead changed several times, with Italian Alessandri, French Handhoum and Pommè, and Hungarian Szalai among those taking turns at the front. The turning point of the race came during the final transition from cycling to running. Szalai managed to overtake France's Manon Laporte, crossing the finish line first, followed by Laporte and Italy's Sara Crociani.
Riccardo Giubilei, the president of the Italian Triathlon Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the event. 'It was a beautiful weekend of races that gave us many emotions with high-level sport - we saw many young and elite athletes from all over Europe competing in a particularly evocative scenario,' he said. He also thanked the Municipality of Caorle, the Fondazione Caorle Città dello Sport, Europe Triathlon, and Silca Ultralite, as well as all the volunteers and those who worked to make this event possible.
Herwig Grabner, a representative of Europe Triathlon and President of the Competition Commission, also praised the event. 'We are very satisfied with this Europe Triathlon Cup in Caorle, very well organized, in a location not only beautiful but also easily accessible given its centrality in Europe,' Grabner said. He also noted the high participation in the mixed relay race dedicated to Juniors, with over thirty teams at the start, a real record.
The days were a celebration of sportsmanship, perseverance, and camaraderie. The event was not just a triathlon but a testament to the indomitable spirit of the athletes and the unyielding support of the spectators. The Caorle edition of the Europe Triathlon Cup and Junior Cup has set a high standard, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the next edition.