Euro Champs have kicked off
The relays are over in Holland
As many GB age-groupers well know, it’s the European Triathlon Champs this weekend in Holten, Nederlands. And the first results are in from the ETU. Here’s their press release…
Ukraine is winner of the first elite-race of the European Championship Triathlon in Holten, the Team relay. Russia (I) finished second and Russia (II) third. The other results: 4: Hungary, 5: Netherlands (II), 6: Netherlands (I), 7: Spain, 8: Sweden.
The junior winner of the European Championship Team relay was Russia. The Russians finished before Hungary(2nd) and Austria (3th).
Eight international teams and eleven junior teams participated in the team relay, with 4 athletes in each team (2 men, 2 women). These athletes each had to swim 300 meter in open water, cycle 10km and run 2km, with the next one starting after the finish of the run of the previous team member.
It is the first time this very unique and spectacular event was organized in Holland.
The triathlon team relay might even get introduced at the Olympic Games.
The European Championships Triathlon in Holten will be officially opened today, 3rd July. After the flag parade with the international competitors a spectacular opening act will be shown at the central square in Holten. The European Championships for age-groupers, Paratri (triathletes with a disability), Juniors and Elite triathletes will be on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information: www.ectriathlon2009.eu
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
