The Hague, July 8 2012 – Big favorite for the title in the Elite men’s category is the reigning European champion Cross triathlon, the Spaniard Victor Del Corral. He is not only a great name in Cross triathlon but also a world class long distance triathlete. His victories at XTERRA France, Lanzarote Ironman and Triathlon Alpe d’Huez let no doubt that he is the man to beat.
Behind Del Corral, a large group of contenders will fight for one of the medal places. The chances of the Belgians and Dutch must be considered high. The specific skills and tuning of the mountainbike that are required for “beach biking” are well known to Belgians and Dutch. And the Dutch, as a result of several training camps in Kijkduin, have the advantage of thorough course knowledge. With the Belgians, Kris Coddens is the man in great shape. In the Dutch team the cross duathlon champion Evert Scheltinga and last year’s cross triathlon champion, Edo van der Meer, are the men to watch. Both men also dominate the Dutch Olympic distance triathlons on the road. But the experienced Bert Flier and Rob Barel have also won the race on this course in the past and shouldn’t be ruled out.
The Slovak Peter Mosny, the Austrian champion cross triathlon Michael Szymoniuk and the Russian champion Sergey Yakovlev have had fine results in previous international championships. These men will surely challenge the Dutch on their home turf.
Due to the injury of favorite Marion Lorblanchet (FRA) who had to withdraw, the favorites for the womens Elite title are Carina Wasla from Austria and the talented Czech Helena Erbanova. Wasle, the bronze medalist of the ETU EC Cross Triathlon 2011, had a fantastic start of the season finishing on the podium in four races of the Xterra World Tour. Helana Erbanova won a big race in Xonrupt, France last weekend. Finally the Spanish Helena Herrero is an outsider to watch out for.
Dutch favorite is Maud Golsteyn who, judged by her fourth place at XTerra Italy, is in good shape.
More info on Victor del Corral on http://victordelcorral.com
More info on Carina Wasle on http://www.carina-wasle.com
More info on Helena Herrero on http://www.helenaherrero.es
More info on Evert Scheltinga on http://www.triathlonbroers.nl
More info on Edo van der Meer on http://www.team4talent.com/2011/10/edo-van-der-meer
