Formula One 2021 European Triathlon Championships Valencia
The elite female and male competition in the Valencia 2021 European Championship will focus on a spectacular and authentic Formula One race track, converted into an ideal Triathlon race course for this event.
The Valencia Street Circuit Spain hosted the Formula One European Grand Prix for five years (2008–2012). This Saturday 25th elite triathletes will be pitting their wits, just like the highest class of international racing drivers of the past, to deal with the complexities of the circuit.
Europe’s top elite athletes will swim 1.5km in the Marina Valencia dock then bike 8 laps of the 38km on an authentic F1 circuit and conclude with a 10km run also on the layout of the F1 circuit and along the promenade area.
Men’s Field
Hot favourite and one of the fastest runners in the field Jelle Greens (BEL), will be looking to make his mark after this year, at least in part, was ruined, missing out on his individual race in the Tokyo Olympics after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Dorian Coninx, the French triathlete is another top contender with Junior European, Junior World Championship, and U23 World titles to his name. A sub 30 -10K runner Coninx recently lead the French podium sweep at WTCS Montreal 2021.
Spain’s hopes for a win on home soil will be very much pinned on Spaniard Antonio Serrat Seoane who has hit fine form this year with second place in the European Sprint Championships in Kitzbühel and 8th place in the World Championship final in Edmonton with a 5th place last week’s WTCS Hamburg
The Norwegians led by Casper Stornes and the strong German Team which contains the Karlovy Vary World Cup winner Lasse Nygaard-Priester will all have a say in matters
The men’s British contingent on the start list are: – Grant Sheldon, Jack Willis, Harry Leleu, Cameron Main, Connor Bentley
Grant Sheldon will be looking to build upon his recent success following his second place at the challenging Karlovy Vary World Cup, as will Jack Willis who finished in 14th place in his individual race.
Harry Leleu who joins the start list will fancy his chances having been part of the 2019 relay team that took gold at Valencia ETU Triathlon U23 European Championships and finished in 12th place in the individual race over that weekend.
Young Guns, Cameron Main and Connor Bentley make up the squad as part of an active year of racing thus far, seeing them compete in European and World Cup events as they look to get a foothold on the international circuit.
Womens Field
The Womens line up looks a much more open affair and the women’s British entrants of Sian Rainsley, Kate Waugh, Sophie Alden and Sophia Green must all fancy their chances of a podium spot.
Sian Rainsley, European Mixed Relay champion will be returning to action after a busy summer that also saw her finish 5th in her second World Triathlon Championship Series race in Hamburg.
Kate Waugh will be looking to impress and improve upon her 9th place debut in Hamburg’s World Triathlon Championship Series
Sophie Green and Sophie Alden are coming into to this race fresh from their successful outing in the World Triathlon U23 Championship Finals Edmonton where they were placed 7th and 16th respectively.
With no clear favourite one cannot disregard some of Europe’s up and coming starlets making their names such as Germany’s Lisa Tertsch who was 3rd in the U23 European Sprint Championships in Kitzbühel or Barbara De Koning who was 11th the World Triathlon U23 Championship Finals Edmonton.
A glance down the start list attention is drawn to the name of Italys Verena Steinhauser who was 8th in the WTCS Monteral mixing with the likes of Duffy, Knibbs and Zaferes. A seasoned athlete who could lay claim to the title.
Womens Start List Here:
The championship in addition to the elite Olympic distance event in the men’s and women’s categories, will also feature the Paratriathlon Sprint event, and the European championships for age groups in both sprint distance and Olympic distance.
The Elite races will be broadcast live on TriathlonLIVE.tv, on Saturday September 25
- Elite Women – 15.15 local time (14.15 UK)
- Elite Men – 18.00 local time (17.00 UK)
The Age-group and Paratriathlon events commence as follows:
Saturday September 25
- Age-Group Sprint – from 08.00 local time (07.00 UK)
- Paratriathlon – 12.00 local time (11.00 UK)
Sunday September 26
- Age-Group Olympic – from 08.00 local time (07.00 UK)
Age-Group events will be non-drafting and due to covid restrictions will be staggered starts.
