Vouliagmeni Centre

VENUE FACTFILE Events: Triathlon Athletes: 100 Spectators: 3,300 Schedule: 25-26 Aug Paralympic event: Road cycling (24-25, 27 Sept)

The Olympic triathlon will be staged in the seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni, 17 kilometres from Athens city centre.

The venue will also be used at a later stage for the road racing event during the Paralympics.

It has been one of the more straightforward developments due, in large part, to the natural advantages of the area.

The triathlon is split into three separate disciplines: swimming, cycling and running.

The sea on the south coast of Attica is warm and calm, the cycle course follows roads through nearby hills to Aghia Marina, and the run is along the scenic and flat waterfront.

There will be 3,300 temporary seats, and the one area of concern remains the ability of the new Athens Metro line to carry spectators to and from the centre.

A successful test event was carried out as part of the triathlon World Cup in October 2003.