France will host the next instalment of the ETU long-distance championships in Vichy this weekend, with fast times of around 8:20hrs expected on a course primed for strong cyclists.
The third Challenge Vichy will take place on Sunday 1 September and is expected to draw nearly 1,400 triathletes from 31 nationalities to the spa town in the volcanic region of Auvergne, central France.
The race will start with a 3.8km swim in the Lac d'Hillier, before sending participants on a 180km bike leg in the hilly woods of Randan, and concluding with a 42km run in the parks of Vichy and along the banks of the Allier river.
Homegrown favourites include Trevor Delsaut, José Jeuland, Denis Chevrot and Silvain Rota in the men's race, and Anne Basso in the women's. The men will have to contend with the likes of Portugal's Sergio Brands, while a strong German contingent is expected in the women's race.