For immediate release - Funchal, Madeira: The pristine, emerald jewel of the Atlantic, Madeira Island, is more than ready to host Sunday's ITU World Cup event, with a full to capacity field of many of the world's best athletes.

Kathleen Smet of Belgium heads up the women's event and will be looking to improve her current #4 World Ranking. Smet was a podium finisher at both the Lausanne and Corner Brook World Cup events, and is the 2002 European Champion. Leanda Cave of Britain will be in the hunt to knock Smet off following her silver medal at the recent Manchester Commonwealth Games. Cave was close to the podium at both the Lausanne and Hamburg World Cup events earlier this year, and is a strong contender in Madeira. Sandra Soldan of Brazil already has two International titles to her credit this year after victories in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and Vila Velha, Brazil. She is one of the best swimmer in the field and is expected to hook up with American swim specialists Susie Gallucci and Amanda Stevens in an effort to make a break on the bike.

In the men's event, Bevan Docherty of New Zealand is back to capture the Funchal title that he lost to Karl Blasco of France in 2001 by one second. Docherty has taken some time off from competition after 2 podium finishers earlier in the year (2nd in Gamagori and 3rd Corner Brook). Martin Krnavek of the Czech Republic is still looking for his first World Cup title of 2002 after a 3rd place finish in Tiszaujvaros and just coming up short of the podium in both Corner Brook and Nice. However, the feeling in Funchal is that Andrew Johns is the man to beat. He appears to be very fit and relaxed, and will be in the hunt for the top step on the podium after just missing it at the World Cup events in Lausanne (3rd) and Hamburg (2nd) just a few weeks ago.

Lourenzo Viveiros, the event manager is confident that his huge team of volunteers from around Madeira is more than ready to show the World they can stage a World-class event. Viveiros is also the head of the local organising committee for the 2004 ITU Triathlon World Championships which will also be held in Funchal, Madeira Island. This event will be the final opportunity for elite athletes to qualify for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The weather for tomorrow's event looks good, with moderate temperatures, sunny skies and a fresh, gentle breeze off the ocean.

Complete start lists can be found on the ITU website at www.triathlon.org. Don't forget to tune in during the races for live event coverage via the web. Live coverage will begin at 12:30 p.m. local time with the women's event. Coverage of the men's event will begin at 4:00 p.m.

For further information please contact ITU Headquarters at: Email: ituhdq@triathlon.org or Tel: 1.604.926.7250

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