Age-groupers take to Italian waters this weekend, with Rimini set to host the ETU European Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships.

162 British age-group athletes will be making their bid on Sunday as they go up against the best of Europe in a hope to bag a spot on the podium. They will look to build on the 23-strong medal tally from last year’s championships, which included seven gold medals.

Competitors face a 1900m swim in the Adriatic Sea, before embarking on a 93km bike stage, travelling south-west towards Monte Cerignone and then back on itself towards the coast. The final 3-lap flat run along the Piazza covers 21.1km and will see who has enough in their legs to take a European title.

Brent Perkins, Great Britain Age-Group Team Manager spoke to us prior to setting off with the team: “Rimini is set to be a fantastic championships and will provide an great opportunity to see how middle distance triathletes will fare against their European rivals. With a large team, comprised of talent and experience, it’s sure to be a showdown and I’m looking forward to what’s in store”.

Returning champions looking to repeat their winning performances from Paguera last year include Hester Hill (W-U20), Jamie Davies (M-U20) and Richard Munday (M35-39).

Brent added: “With all of our returning medallists in good shape, it's going to be very exciting. The weather may play a part in what happens as it did last year - today in Rimini its 29 degrees.”

Five elite athletes will also pulling on a Great Britain trisuit to compete across the same middle distance course this weekend.

Action kicks off in Rimini on Sunday 24 May at 11:00am, starting with the elite Men. Follow @brittri on twitter for race updates and photos of the event as it unfolds.

For a full list of competing athletes, please visit here.