By Jennifer Lilley

THE first elite event of the British triathlon season will be held at Strathclyde Country Park.

It's the third time North Lanarkshire has hosted the event, which this year falls on Sunday May 17 and will be a dress rehearsal for the Commonwealth Games.

Councillor Helen McKenna, convener of environmental services with North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The council is delighted to be welcoming British Triathlon.

"We're looking forward to working with them to produce a superb event."

For the first time, the Strathclyde Park Elite Triathlon will be run over elite standard distances with a 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run.

The event, being covered by Channel 4 will also act as the selection meeting for the European Under 23 Championships to be held in Italy in June this year.

Scottish triathlete David McNamee said: "I was brought up in Ayrshire and went to school in Glasgow so I'm looking forward to racing on home soil in Strathclyde Park. It's a great venue for athletes and spectators. "