The World’s best off-road triathletes will meet in Orosei on June 1 for the first ETU TNatura Cross Triathlon European Championships in Sardinia.
Now in its 8th consecutive season, Orosei is one of the most popular Cross Triathlon venues in the world. The event, organized by Sandro Salerno’s Island Group, was sold out ten days before registration had officially closed, with a record 53 Elite, U23 and Junior entrants – 37 male and 16 female – from 16 countries. Among them are several World and European Champions, willing to test their limits in the three disciplines and distances – 1.5km swim, 30km mountain bike, 10km run – in the spectacular Biderosa Natural Park.
In the Elite Men’s race, Italian Alessio Picco, second place at 2013 Strobl am Wolfgangsee (Austria) ETU Cross Triathlon European Championships, will enjoy the backing of the home crowd. Leonardo Ballerini (ITA) was second in Orosei last year and reigning Italian Champion Mattia De Paoli, who finished in seventh place at Strobl is also in contention for the home fans.
Jan Kubicek (CZE), third at the 2013 Championships, has a chance to challenge for the podium, as well as Jim Thijs (BEL), who knows this race inside out and teammate Kris Coddens, fourth in 2013 The Hague – Kijkduin (The Netherlands)
In the Elite Women’s race, reigning ITU Cross triathlon World Champion Helena Erbenova (CZE) will battle with Katrina Muller (GER) and Renata Bucher (SUI). Muller finished second last year in Orosei behind Bucher, and the Swiss athlete, who lives in Sardinia, will try to defend her crown and once again aim for the European title that she won in 2009 just at Cala Ginepro.
TNatura Italy will take place in Biderosa Natural Park, one of the most beautiful protected areas in the world. With 530 hectares of wild Mediterranean vegetation and beaches with clear water and white sand, this unique location makes TNatura a totally unique experience, that includes sports, health, nature, eco-friendly tourism and environmental conservation.
The ETU TNatura Cross Triathlon European Championships also marks the debut for the 2014 ETU TNatura Cross Triathlon European Cup series which has four races.
The second race will take place on June 22 in Predni Vyton, Czech Republic, the third on July 13 in the Black Forest, Germany, while the fourth will be held on September 22 in Pokljuka, Slovenia.