Already acknowledged for his passion for sporting challenges, James Cracknell makes his GB Age Group triathlon debut this weekend at the 2009 Holten ETU Triathlon European Championships in the Netherlands.

Cracknell, already well known on the British triathlon circuit will no doubt be seen as a strong contender by fellow competitors as they line up for the 35-39 year age group race. Winning a European triathlon medal however, to sit inside what must be an enviable trophy cabinet will be no easy task for Cracknell, as age group triathlon racing is keenly contested worldwide.

Cracknell is part of a team of 251 age group athletes, hoping to bring home more than the 21 European medals won in Lisbon last year. Juliet Vickery (45-49) and Peter Howard (75-70) travel as defending European Champions whilst Shona Forest (35-39) and Liz Clegg (50-54) will hope to change the silver medals won in 2008 to gold in 2009.

Age Group racing takes place on Saturday 4 July and is followed on Sunday 5 July with the 2009 Holten ETU Triathlon European Championships.

The 2009 Holten ETU Triathlon European Championships are contested over the standard distance of a 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run.