The opening ceremony

Athletes from 24 countries swam, biked and ran this weekend in the 2010 Weihai ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Series was held in Weihai Triathlon Venue.

Athletes from places like Australia, France, New Zealand, the UK, Sweden and Denmark will compete in a three-kilometer swim, 80-kilometer bike ride and 20-kilometer run. They are divided into 27 groups.

This is the first high-profile long distance triathlon being held in China in recent years.

"2010 Weihai ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Series is an important international sporting event held in Shandong following the 11th National Games. It will play a significant role in speeding up the construction of this strong sports province and the regional development,” Huang Sheng, vice governor of Shandong province, wrote in a congratulatory letter.

"It has been not long since a triathlon became a regular program in the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, the Asian Games and National Games. It is a young and modern sport full of vitality, competition and challenges, which advocates the life concept of being close to nature and challenging yourself,” said Xu Haifeng, deputy director of cycling and fencing sports administration of China’s sport general administration.

Jimmy Johnsen from Denmark, Frace’s Chabaud Francois and Australian Aaron Farlow carried the first, second and third prizes in the men’s elite competition held on the 25. They are also the first three Iron Men.

Caroline Steffen from Switzerland, Radka Vodickova from Czech and Paxton Raechel from Australia won the first, second and third places in the women’s elite competition.

"This is my first time to take part in the long distance triathlon in China. I feel perfectly good.” Chabaud francois, the runner-up winner of men’s elite, told China Daily.

The opening ceremony

Jimmy Johnsen from Denmark won the first place of the men elite within 03：49：44.