The event, which features a 1.9 kilometres swim, 90km of cycling and 21.1km of running, will see around 2,000 athletes descend on the Tyrolean region on August 21.

It will be the first time the competition has come to Austria, and European Triathlon Union (ETU) President Renato Bertrandi is pleased to see the growth of the sport in the region.

"We have seen clear indications that our athletes, both elite, Para and age-group, like the test of a longer distance race," he said.

"With previous events being held successfully and with the 'going-long' appetite not diminishing, I am very pleased to see that the Middle-Distance Championships will be heading to Tyrol, which is a place of outstanding beauty.

"I also like the idea that athletes can go and test the course this year in the open race."

As well as elite men's and women's races, the age group European Championships will also take place, as will events for Para-triathletes and other sporting events based around the European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships.

Athletes will get the chance to test the course at the upcoming Challenge Walchsee competition on August 23, which will also provide participants with the opportunity to earn qualification slots for the European Championships the following year.

The news that the region will stage what is seen to be a prestigious event in the world of triathlon was heralded by Dieter Wittliger, the Mayor of Walchsee.

"With the selection as venue for the 2016 European Championships the organisers of the Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl have landed a coup," he said.

"As Mayor of Walchsee I am of course proud that this international triathlon in the Kaiserwinkl with the start and finish area in our municipality gains even more importance by being the 2016 official ETU European Championships.

"This reinforces our reputation as internationally approved triathlon venue."

This year's European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships is due to take place in Rimini, Italy, on May 24.

Previous host cities of the event include Kraichgau in Germany and also Spanish city Barcelona.

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