Weihai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province is to host a world triathlon series event on Sept 22-23.

Two competitions will be held at the same time - the 2018 Triathlon World Cup and the Weihai Extreme Triathlon Series, which are supported by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the China Triathlon Sports Association.

The world cup event has attracted 116 athletes from 40 countries to sign up till Aug 28, including Japan, Italy and the United States. Athletes will complete a 51.5-kilometer series, including a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and 10-kilometer run.

The Weihai Extreme Triathlon Series has involved 908 athletes from nine countries like Germany, France, South Korea and Canada. The full course of the event covers 51.5 kilometers and half course 25.75 kilometers.

According to Yu Nianhong, the deputy director of Weihai sports bureau, it is the second time that Weihai will host the Triathlon World Cup.

With a pleasant environment and challenging racing tracks, the event has attracted more athletes to take part than expected.

The ITU Triathlon World Cup, surpassed only to the world championships, is an Olympic qualifying contest which is held annually across the world.

Weihai also organized 20 related events ahead of the world cup including indoor triathlon and cross-country on mountain road.

Yu said that the Weihai triathlon series provide an important platform to promote international exchanges in sports.

Athletes participate in a bike riding race. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Athletes compete against each other in the Triathlon World Cup. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]