The International Triathlon of Bardolino (in the province of Verona) is back and has reached its 28th edition. The time-tested, traditional "Olympic" course will take place on June 18. Returning to the banks of Lake Garda on June 18 is the classic International Triathlon of Bardolino, one of the most eagerly awaited sports events in Italy (especially for the athletes) for the past 28 years. It's a race with great results and great athletic feats, yet these details aren't sufficient for fully describing this historic event.

First of all, tradition is the most important aspect because the International Triathlon of Bardolino was the first race of its kind ever held in Italy on September 2, 1984. This is a date to remember and demonstrates the far-sightedness of the group in Bardolino, which launched an international event just seven years after the first triathlon, the "Ironman" event, which was held in Hawaii in 1977. The main ingredient is the magical sport itself - the triathlon - which is a feat of strength accomplished through swimming, biking, and running. The brilliant stars of this event are the athletes: more than 1,200 competing in different Age Groups gathered last year on the banks of Italy's largest lake.

For the 2011 edition, the International Triathlon of Bardolino presents the same sequence as past editions: a 1.5 km swim, 40 km by bike, and a 10 km footrace. The race starts out with the swim event from Punta Cornicello to Riva Cornicello at the end of Lungolago Lenotti. The second event is the 40 km bike race on a route that begins in Bardolino, travels inland (to Affi), heads north (through Caprino Veronese), and then returns to Bardolino for the finish.
The final effort is the 10 km footrace along the banks of lake Garda and in the center of Bardolino, for two 5 km laps. Many famous athletes won the International Triathlon of Bardolino in the past, starting with Czech Jan Rehula (bronze at Sydney 2000), Ukrainian Vladimir Polikarpenko (who won the Bardolino Triathlon six times in a row), and Italian Danilo Palmucci.

Female athletes who won the competition include Australian Joanne King (1998 world champion and winner at Bardolino in 1999), Swiss Magalì Messmer (bronze at Sydney 2000) and Italian Nadia Cortassa, who took fifth place at the Athens 2004 Olympics and a silver medal at the 2008 European championships. Last but not least, this parade of stars ends with the winners of the 2010 edition: Australian David Matthews and Vicky Holland from England.

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