Europe Triathlon

For the second consecutive year the European Cup circuit returns to Cremona for the ITU Sprint Triathlon European Cup.

A host of star names and top class International athletes are registered to compete in this thrilling, high paced version of the sport.

A spokesperson for the Italian Triathlon Federation said: “We are delighted to welcome a leg of the European Cup Circuit to Cremona. Thanks to the organization of the Triathlon Cremona Stradivari and the backing of the local authorities, International triathlon will host this event in the heart of the town of art and music.

“The extremely technical town course allows the athletes to compete among the local shops, museums, historical palaces and offers them an opportunity to appreciate the cultural, traditional and historical beauty of the town. In this way Cremona will become the frame of this spectacular sporting event.”

The event has been organised by the host club, Triathlon Cremona Stradivari. The Stradivari team, founded in 1993, has become one of the most important National teams. The club boasts 200 athletes and embraces all sectors of the sport, with special attention to the youth section, which recently received further investment to develop future athletes.

A mixture of young up and coming talent and experienced competitors line up on the start lists on June 10th.

The female competition includes Mateja Simic (SLO) and home athlete Anna Maria Mazzetti. Simic and Mazzetti were second and third last year in Cremona, finishing on the podium alongside Erin Densham of Australia. Mazzetti undoubtedly will have the backing of the passionate home support.

Sara Vilic (CRO) has made the step up to Elite performance in 2012 having finished 2011 as the third ranked Junior athlete. She recorded a third place finish on her Elite debut in Antalya (TUR) and she will be one to watch here.

Italian athlete Daniel Hofer thrilled the home crowds last year when he won the first ever Cremona Sprint Triathlon and he is back to defend his title in the Men’s Elite race.

Reflecting on his victory last year, Hofer said: “It was my first European Cup win in my home country. It was really emotional and the race was really spectacular. With 800 metres to go we still had five guys in the running for victory. I loved the course, really technical on the bike and close to the spectators.

“It will be really hard (to defend my title), there are some strong French and Russian guys on the start list, but at least I have to try!

“Sprint Triathlon is more spectacular and the preparation and recovery is different from the Olympic distance. So you can race more! I race a lot of Sprint Distance races in France at the Gran Prix with Olimpique Mulhouse Triathlon and it’s really fun and the distances between athletes are so close.”

The male race is completely sold out with 75 athletes ready for this Cremonese encounter.

Live footage of the Cremona ITU Triathlon Sprint European Cup will be available on the Italian Triathlon Federation website, www.fitri.it, from 0900 on Sunday 10th June.  

Video highlights of the 2011 Sprint Triathlon in Cremona can be found here.

NB: The ETU and the Italian Federation would like to reassure all National Federations, Athletes and spectators that although Cremona is nearby, it is not in the areas affected by the earthquake in Italy last week,a ccording to the Italian authorities. Airports and railways are operating as normal with no delays in the surrounding areas.