BUCHAREST, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Romanian Triathlon Federation (RTF) on Tuesday announced hosting the 2019 edition of the the Winter Triathlon European Championships, which will take place on Feb. 22-24, at Cheile Gradistei, central Romania.

"A factor that decisively tipped the balance in our favor was the successful organization of the Winter Triathlon World Championships this year, also at Cheile Gradistei," RTF President Peter Klosz stressed, adding, "we are honored by the confidence shown by the European triathlon governing body - ETU, of awarding us the organization of a new major competition in the international calendar."

According to Klosz, Romania will also host for the first time the European Championships for Triathlon Multisport in Targu Mures, central northern Romania.

The disciplines that will nominate European champions next year in Romania are: Duathlon - sprint and standard, Aquathlon - swimming and running, Cross Triathlon - swimming, mountain biking and trail-running, Cross Duatlon - running and mountain biking, Middle Distance Triathlon - Half Ironman and Aquabike - swimming and cycling.

The federation believes that these events are expected to have an important impact not only on the spreading of sports in the region, but also for tourism.