Europe Triathlon

The penultimate ITU European Cup of 2013 takes place in Karlovy Vary, the popular Czech course which is hosting this race for the sixth year in a row.

With the new ETU ranking system spiking interest in the final races of the year, there is a lot to compete for aside podium medals.

Aurelien LeBrun (FRA) currently leads the Elite Men ETU Rankings following back to back wins in Geneva and Istanbul. An unprecedented three European Cup wins in a row here would go a long way to securing his position at the top with only one race remaining.

He will have his work cut out in a Men’s race which is full to capacity. Czech athletes Premsyl Svarc and Jan Celustka have competed well on the WTS series this year, with Celustka showing his all round game by thriving in the Winter Triathlon series earlier this year.

Stefan Zacheus won his World Cup semi final heat in Tiszaujvaros before finishing a credible 9th in the final and the Ukrainian duo of Danylo Sapunov and Yegor Martynenko can be dangerous on their day.

Elite Men Start List

In the Elite Women’s race, Vendula Frintova (CZE) will have the support of the passionate home crowd here in Karlovy Vary. The European Championship bronze medallist also finished 4th in Palamos and is more than capable of a podium.

Mateja Simic (SLO) will look to defend her title after winning here last year. She finished 3rd in Istanbul earlier this month and is in good form.

Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (AUS) is competing in Karlovy Vary for the first time in an International race and has the pedigree to do really well.

It’s been something of a breakthrough year Margie Santimaria (ITA). The Italian has posted two top eight finishes in two European Cups in 2013, a career best, and this race may represent a great opportunity to break her podium duck and cement a positive season.

Elite Women Start List

Whatever happens out on the course, this is another popular Triathlon event and one of the staple races of the calendar.

Martina Poštová, from the LOC City Triathlon, said: “It is a great honour to host an ITU event. The town boasts a fantastic atmosphere and is renowned for a difficult but fair race course and great support from the fans.

“We held our first triathlon event in Karlovy Vary. The European Championships were here in 2000 and 2001 and since 2008 we have regular ITU/ETU European Cups.”

Picture Credit: ITU/www.triathlon.org