Europe Triathlon

The European Triathlon Union (ETU) and International Powerman Association (IPA) are pleased to announce a Sprint Duathlon European Championships for Juniors and Age Group athletes and an Elite and Age Group Long Distance Duathlon European Championships.

Both Championships will be held in Horst aan de Maas, the Netherlands, on 29 April 2012

Duathletes from all over Europe will battle a Long Distance Championships course of 15km Run/ 60km Bike/ 7.5km Run and a Sprint Championship course of 5km Run/ 20km Bike/ 2.5km Run.
In previous years the Dutch Local Organizing Committee has organized ITU World Championships, Powerman European Championships and National Championships and up until 1993 they organised Triathlons.

After the successful 2011 ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland, in September, all partners believe this is an exciting step forward for the future of European Duathlon.

President of the European Triathlon Union, Philip Schädler said: “For many years the International Powerman Association have successfuly promoted Long Distance Duathlon Series for Elite and age group athletes.

“I am glad that after a couple of years of consultation we can now join forces with IPA to have one common platform for the European Championships in Long Distance Duathlon for Elite and Age Group athletes.

“We have also decided to introduce, for the first time, a European Championship in Sprint Duathlon for Juniors and Age Group athletes. This gives young athletes and age groupers the possibility to race for an European title on the short distance as well.

“I am convinced that we will see a great event next year and I herewith invite all athletes to race at the 2012 ETU Powerman European Championships.”

John Raadschelders, President of IPA echoed the sentiments. He said: “Today, the ETU and IPA have taken a new and innovative step to organize a Duathlon Championship over both the Sprint and Long Distance disciplines.

“This will create more awareness for the sport of Duathlon. Spectators will see the gruelling and tough nature of the Long Distance event married with the exciting and intense Sprint Distance Championship. This will definitely boost the sport of Duathlon and allow athletes and spectators to appreciate the diversity of the sport.”

The President of the Dutch Triathlon Federation Henk van Lint said: “We are am very honored that a Dutch organization has chosen to organize these European Championships.

“This is a big step for the sport of Duathlon and we have strongly supported this initiative form the beginning. The Netherlands and especially the Province of Limburg, love to be the host nation for all European National Teams and Duathlete’s.”

Further information on the 2012 ETU Powerman Duathlon European Championships, will appear on the ETU website in due course. Follow this link

Further information and registration details can also be found at www.powerman.nl; or email: info@powerman.nl

For further information about Powerman: www.powerman.org