The next stage of the European Winter Triathlon series moves to Estonia this weekend for the European Cup in Lahte.
Lahte, and the Estonian Triathlon Federation, are celebrating ten years of hosting successful Winter Triathlon races. This is a magnificent achievement and is testament to the hard work and dedication to the sport from the LOC and the Federation.
Since 2002, Lahte has hosted the Estonian Championships before moving up to European Cup competition in 2011.
Last year's European Cup races were won by Daniel Antonioli (ITA) and Borghild Lovset (NOR).
Antonioli returns to Lahte fresh from his opening victory in Schwanden a fortnight ago. Antonioli has shown remarkable consistency with a podium finish in his last 7 European Cups.
But he will have to fight against new opponents in reigning World and European Champion Pavel Andreev (RUS) and Tomas Jurkovic (SVK) - who are competing at Lahte for the first time.
Local athlete Urmas Utar will have the home support and he posted a third place finish last year.
In the women's race, unfortunately once again there are only four athletes on the start list. As disappointing as this, is in terms of participation it does not dilute the quality of the athletes involved.
Tatiana Charochkina will have been disappointed to have been pipped to first place by debutant Andrea Huser in Schwanden two weeks ago but with only fellow Russians on the start line here, this promises to be a tense affair.
Tiina Pallas, Secretary General for the Estonian Triathlon Federation says conditions are bitterly cold at the minute in Lahte but may thaw a little before the weekend.
She said: 'The weather has been extremely cold during the last week, up to minus 30 degrees.
'But it seems to be over for this week and the weather forecast for Saturday promises to be a wonderful winters day; -7 degrees with sunshine.'
Photo: The start line from the very first Winter European Cup in Lahte last year
RACE INFORMATION:
Saturday 11th February, 2012
Start time: Elite Men 1100, Elite Women 1110 (Local time EET)
Prize Money Distribution:
1st. 150 €
2nd. 90 €
3rd. 60 €
