International triathlon competition returns to Turkey this weekend for a historic European Cup race in Istanbul.

Turkish races are very much a permanent fixture on the International Triathlon race calendar – with Alanya and Antalya prominent fixtures.

However, the history of Istanbul – a transcontinental city with over half the population in Asia – transcends International boundaries and represents a fascinating backdrop to what will be a special European Cup.

Erdogan Kahya of the Turkish Triathlon Federation said: “There has been a lot of interest in the contest and we are looking forward to the European Cup in Istanbul, International Triathlon Race.”

Triathletes from across Europe have certainly shown an interest in this unique race with 75 athletes registered across both the Men and Women’s fields.

Both fields are strong: Amongst the men are Yegor Martynenko (UKR), Raoul Shaw (FRA) and Justus Nieschlag (GER).

Martynenko enjoys racing in Turkey and he won in Alanya in 2011. He should certainly do better than the 29th place finish in Antalya earlier this year.

Shaw impressed in the recent Cremona Sprint race earlier this month and it will be interesting to see where he finishes in this Olympic distance race.

Nieschlag was the European Junior Champion in 2011 and has made the step up to Elite level racing in 2012. He is improving with every race and this will be another step in his development.

The women’s field features Elena Danilova and Arina Shulgina (RUS), Kathrin Muller, Sarah Fladung (GER) and Yuliya Yelistratova (UKR).

Muller was victorious in Antalya earlier this year and will hope for a repeat Turkish performance here.

Yelistratova has struggled for consistency in 2012 but again has an excellent pedigree when racing in Turkey.

Russian duo Shulgina and Danilova come into this race in form after finishing 6th and 7th respectively in Banyoles a fortnight ago.

This is an Olympic distance Triathlon race: 1500m swim / 40km bike/ 10km run.

RACE INFORMATION:

Sunday 1st July

Elite Women Start List, 1100 start (EEST)

Elite Men Start List, 1415 start (EEST)