Elite Previews
This weekend’s Holten ETU Triathlon European Championships bring together the best triathletes from across the continent to do battle in the Dutch town.
All eyes are on Beijing silver medallist Vanessa Fernandes who is making her competitive return to racing following early season injury. The Portuguese sensation was victorious on home turf in Lisbon last year and will be looking to lay down a firm foundation on which to start her season with.
In the men’s race Britain’s Alistair Brownlee returns to action following back to back victories in Madrid and Washington, DC in the Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series. He will face stiff competition from Spain’s 2008 world champion, Javier Gomez, who has been improving with every race since an ankle injury sustained at the Olympic Games.
Britain also have keen interest in the women’s race with another young rising star in Hollie Avil. The 19 year old caused a stir in 2008 as she took to the podium in her opening two world cup races, however a bout of illness in Beijing ruined her Olympic aspirations. Having retired with a puncture in the Madrid Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship race she will be hungry for success.
Other names to look out for in the women’s race are the Swiss pairing of Daniela Ryf and Nicola Spirig, both of whom finished in the top ten in Beijing. Ryf showed incredible power on the bike in helping to guide her team to gold at the ITU Triathlon Team World Championships last weekend whilst Spirig starts her first race of the year as she juggles training with studying. Sweden’s Lisa Norden should be towards the front as the ever improving Scandinavian continues to make her mark on the sport. A bronze medal at last year’s championships will give her confidence going into the weekend.
Vendula Frintova from the Czech Republic could be one to look out for, as will Jessica Harrison from France who has shown some excellent form including a third place finish in Madrid. Helle Frederiksen from Denmark enters the race on the back of being crowned national champion whilst Liz May from Luxembourg will be hoping to put together a strong race. Home support will be backing Lisa Mensink who contests her third race in as many weeks.
Three time European champion Frederic Belaubre should not be written off in the men’s race and the French could launch another breakaway on the bike as they did to great effect last year. Belaubre will toe the line alongside team mates Laurent Vidal, Tony Moulai, Cedric Fleureton and David Hauss.
The Russians have had an exceptional start to their year and Dmitriy Polyansky will be hoping to add the elite men’s crown to his European under 23 win from two weeks ago. 2008 World Championship bronze medallist Reto Hug carries Swiss hopes with Steffen Justus from Germany perhaps the best chance of a medal for Germany. Three time European championship medallist Filip Ospaly from the Czech Republic could also cause an upset at the front end.
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