Five former champions will be on the starting line for the 10th Triathlon Championships for Small States of Europe (TCSSE) which will be held at Salina on Sunday.

Emanuel Azzopardi, president of the Malta Triathlon Association, told a news conference yesterday that 35 triathletes have registered to take part in this year's race.

Monaco's Herve Banti, who won last year's race in Luxembourg, three-times winner Tom Carier and 2008 women's champion Myriam Reuland, both of Luxembourg, Liechtenstein's Nicole Klinger, gold medallist in 2007, and Malta's Danica Spiteri, who placed first in the 2006 edition in Malta, will all be vying for glory in Sunday's race.

Apart from Spiteri, the Maltese team also includes National Duathlon champions Fabio Spiteri and Michelle Wood, Keith Galea, Mark Zammit, Donatelle Callus and Johanna Calleja.

"The Championships for the Small States of Europe are recognised by the International Triathlon Union and the European Triathlon Union," Azzopardi said.

"In fact, since 2004 ranking points have been awarded to TCSSE participants with a view to helping them qualify for the world championships and the Olympic Games.

"Unfortunately, due to lack of sponsorship, we had no option but to open the event for athletes from the smaller countries in Europe. The Malta Triathlon Association is grateful to the Malta Sports Council for their vital financial backing."

The championships consist of an individual and team event for both men and women.

The race starts at 8 a.m. with a 1.5km swim at the Salina Bay. A 40km bike ride will follow before the triathletes complete their race with a 10km run.

Kee Klamp Ltd, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club, General Soft Drinks Ltd and the Qawra Palace Hotel are the main sponsors of the event.