European Standard Distance Championships 2020 To Go Ahead

The European Triathlon Union have announced that the ETU Standard Distance Championships 2020 will be going ahead. It has been an unprecedented time for the sport but and this announcement sheds light at the end of the tunnel for triathlon.

The event will host the following Championship races:

• Elite Standard Distance Triathlon
• Age Group standard distance triathlon,
• Junior sprint distance triathlon and
• Junior and elite mixed relay European Triathlon Championships.

Full ETU Statement

Triathlon Europe have been working really hard to provide National Federations and their elite and age group athletes a racing calendar for 2020 as the easing of lockdown measures across Europe gathers pace.

The Sprint Distance Championships in Malmo unfortunately had to be cancelled so we are especially glad that the LOC and Estonian National Federation have decided that the event in Tartu will be going ahead as planned on the 27th to 30th August 2020.

Margus Lepik the President of the Estonian Federation stated:
“Tartu together with the city of Otepää are delighted to host the Triathlon Europe 2020 European Standard Distance Championships. It is going to be 4-days of exciting races, where elite and age group European Champions will be crowned.

The racing weekend will also host other events such as a charity run and kids races. All the swimming will be in Lake Pühajärve, one of the largest lakes in Estonia. Water temperature at that time of the year is usually 20-22C. Bike and running courses will take athletes through the street and roads of Otepää and its surroundings. The race center is placed perfectly by the Lake Pühajärve. You will be very welcome to Estonia”

Renato Bertrandi Triathlon Europe President commented
“We are happy to announce that, even in such a difficult period, we will stage our 36th edition of the European Championship in Estonia. The journey has not been easy as the overall situation is evolving so quickly that it is really difficult to make any decision.

We are committed to providing our Athletes the opportunity to go back to racing; to give meaning to all the hard training for this season and not to lose the momentum of our Sport. Out of a crisis an opportunity can often be created this is true, but during such difficult times it is not always easy to believe.

Now is time to come together and create our unique opportunity to honour our wonderful sport and the European Title.

I want to thank the President of the Estonian Federation whose enthusiasm never wavered during these months, the LOC, the Athletes that have shown understanding and flexibility in this difficult season and all the parties involved, TDs and Officials that will prepare the field of play respecting all restrictions required by the situation.

I really hope to see you all there in 10 weeks’ time”