The second Development Cup of the year heads to the historic city of Gallipoli, Türkiye, where 41 athletes will take to the waters off Hamzakoy Beach in pursuit of gold.
Among the favourites in the men's race is Bulgaria's Alexander Bozhilov. The bronze medallist at this year's Balkan Championships and winner of the opening Development Cup race in Mamaia has already demonstrated impressive form this season and arrives in Gallipoli as one of the leading contenders.
Slovenia's Ul Denša will be familiar with Bozhilov, having raced against him in both Mamaia and Ohrid. Starting with bib number two, Denša will be aiming to improve on consecutive fifth-place finishes and challenge for a place on the podium.
Home hopes rest with Taha Eren Coşgun, who has also competed against Bozhilov and Denša this season. Türkiye has entered 12 athletes and will be looking to capitalise on home advantage and secure a memorable result in front of local supporters.
Bulgaria also boasts a strong team, with three of its four athletes starting inside the top ten. Alongside Bozhilov, Boris Andreev (6) and Simeon Bobekov (7) will be hoping to challenge for podium positions and continue Bulgaria's strong run of form.
In the women's race, reigning Balkan champion Mira Ivanova Georgieva starts with bib number one and will be looking to add another medal to an already impressive collection.
Serbia's Iva Pavlović arrives in Gallipoli with renewed confidence after finishing seventh in Ohrid two weeks ago. Following a DNF in Mamaia, she will be eager to continue her upward trajectory in her second Development Cup appearance of the season.
Romania's Alice Perjoiu will also be among the athletes to watch. After claiming silver in Ohrid, she will be aiming to go one step further and secure gold this weekend.
Both Türkiye and Serbia have entered four athletes in the women's event and will be hoping for a dominant team performance. A podium sweep would mirror Estonia's remarkable achievement at last week's Baltic Championships in Latvia.
Live time can be viewed here.
Full start lists can be viewed here.