l’Algérie abrite la Coupe d’Afrique Open en mai à Tipaza
Triathlon African Cup to be Held in Algeria
Algeria is set to host the "Elite" Open African Triathlon Cup for both men and women on May 10, 2024, in the picturesque CET tourist village located in Tipaza. This event will see participation from 21 countries, including Algeria, according to the Algerian Triathlon Federation (FATri).
Event Schedule and Participation
The delegations’ arrival is scheduled between May 6 and May 8. Athletes will familiarize themselves with the competition course, and a technical meeting will be held on May 9. On May 10, the competition will commence with the expected participation of 85 athletes consisting of 58 elite men and 27 elite women, representing nations from various continents. Algeria will field a team of six athletes (four men and two women), competing against representatives from countries such as Libya, Tunisia, Germany, Australia, and many others.
"Currently, we have 85 registered participants, but registrations are still open, and we may see more countries joining the competition," explained KARIM Tamimount, the Secretary General of the federation.
Competitors’ Profiles
The selection for the Algerian team includes four elite male athletes—Oussama Berrouane Hellal (a champion of Algeria and ranked within the top 15 in Africa), promising young athlete Mohamed Sami Agab from Mont-Riant club, Ouail Aini, and Adel Rabir—alongside two female competitors, Imene Maldji and Achouak Terki. These athletes will partake in a pre-competition training camp to prepare for the event and gain points to enhance their rankings in the World Triathlon series.
Logistical Preparations
The organizing committee, alongside various partners, including the Tipaza Youth Directorate, is diligently preparing for the event, ensuring that everything is in place for a successful occurrence. Director Brahim Asloum highlighted that the number of participating nations marks a milestone for Africa’s Triathlon Open Cup. However, he expressed disappointment over the relatively low representation from African countries.
Triathlon Format
The selected venue, CET Tipaza, not only serves as the accommodation for the delegations but also as the location for the triathlon events. This exciting sport combines three activities: a 750 meters swim, a 20 kilometers cycling leg, and a 5 kilometers run.
Previous Competitions and Progress
Algeria aims to build on its previous successes in triathlon competitions. During the 2024 African Triathlon Cup held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the Algerian athletes performed commendably. Notably, they were preparing for the African Games in Accra, Ghana, later that same year, while reflecting on their achievements in the 2022 Cup held in Tunisia where several athletes secured podium finishes, including a bronze medal for Imene Meldji.
Since its establishment in 2020, the FATri has recognized the significant potential within the growing community of triathlon participants in Algeria. As a result, efforts will continue to develop this sport, aiming to enhance its stature and competitiveness on both regional and international stages.
The upcoming Cup represents not just an opportunity for competition but a platform for Algerian athletes to measure their skills against international competitors and catalyze further growth in the sport domestically.
