One of the most challenging triathlon competitions on the European circuit will take place in Austria this weekend (7 September) as over 150 athletes will compete for the European Cross title across Elite, U23, Junior, Paratriathlon and Age Group categories.
Involving a 1km swim, 22km mountain bike and 6km run, the organisers say that triathletes will need all their skills to complete the course, especially on the difficult downhill part of the race.
Among Great Britain's brightest hopes in the elite men's race is current U23 champion Rory Downie, who will be hoping to capitalise on the absence of defending champion Victor Manuel Del Corral Morales (ESP).
Meanwhile, with no British women in the elite category this year, World Cross Champion Helena Erbenova (CZE) will be looking to defend the title she won in Den Haag last year against the likes of Austria's Carina Wasle, who has won the European title two times previously.
In the Paratriathlon competition, reigning European Cross and World Cross Champion Martin Falch will get a hero’s reception in his native Austria as he defends his title in the tri-5 category.