Bardolino Triathlon Turns 18 with International Elite and Olympic Race

The international Triathlon reaches its majority age. Eighteen years of success and acclaim for an event that finds its natural arena in the Garda area, attracting athletes from all over Italy and the world to the shores of Benaco.

An event of prestige for the lake district and the inland areas, with the race winding through the roads of the municipalities of Cavaion, Affi, Costermano, Rivoli, and Caprino, culminating in the splendid park of Villa Carrara Bottagisio along the Bardolino lakeside promenade.

Start, Participants, and Previous Results

Just days before the event’s start, on Saturday, June 30 at 12:30 PM, the registrants exceed 800 and are expected to increase, considering previous editions. Last year, the number reached 1018, but what is most important is that the edition was enhanced by competitors of undeniable caliber.

It suffices to consider that the two winners, Czech Jan Rehula and Swiss Magalì Messmer, later secured bronze medals at the Sydney Olympics. These prestigious results highlight the caliber of triathletes present at the event.

Notable Athletes and International Participants

On Saturday, the top contenders will include the reigning 28-year-old world champion: the French Olivier Marceau. Among the registered also the French Carl Blasco, nineteenth at the Sydney Olympics and recent winner in Madeira, Portugal.

Argentine Federico Garcia Canales, Ukrainians Polikarpenko and Glushenko, winner of the Itu race in Seville, young prodigy Nadia Legars, and Australian Kate Allen will also compete. The Italian team will feature Milanese Stefano Belandi, Italian champion Alessandro Ridolfi, and Davide Maraja.

Among the women in the race, the Tuscan Silvia Gemignani will be present.

Technical Notes and Distance

Triathlon is a composite discipline, consisting of three sports (swimming, cycling, and running) that follow one another without interruption. It is a sport for the tough, given the considerable physical effort it demands.

In Bardolino, the distance is Olympic, which means: 1.5 km swimming in Lake Garda, 40 km cycling, and 10 km running.