Chantell Widney: a top contender at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships

This weekend will showcase the 2014 Zittau ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship in Germany. Canada’s Chantell Widney, who took bronze last year, is set to challenge for the win. The race format covers a 1.5 km swim, 36 km off terrain bike and 9 km cross country run. Cross triathlon has been gaining popularity. In addition to the elites, the Under23, junior, age group and paratriathlon divisions will be contested.

In the women’s race, Czech athlete Helena Erbenova returns as the highest ranked with two Cross Triathlon World Championship titles to her name, as well as a winter triathlon win. Last year, Erbenova won by five minutes for her second cross triathlon gold medal.  Although Widney  finished eight minutes behind the Czech last year, it was her first time racing the event and has since gained valuable experiences in the Xterra Pro Series this season. Orangeville Ont.’s, Heather Pady will also be representing Canada and was first at the Canadian Cross Triathlon Championship this year.

Germany’s Renata Bucher will pose a threat having just won the 2014 Sardinia ETU Natura Cross Triathlon European Championships. Berlin’s Flora Duffy, who recently competed at the Commonwealth Games ,and Olympic bronze medallist Erin Densham of Australia will also be in the mix.

On the men’s side, ‘The Caveman’ Conrad Stoltz of Russia returns as the three-time consecutive reigning champion. There are no Canadian men racing in the elite division.