Russia's Alexandra Razarenova will be aiming to use home advantage in her pursuit of the women's title at the Sprint Triathlon European Championships in Kazan this weekend ©ETU

Russia's Alexandra Razarenova will be aiming to use home advantage in her pursuit of the women's title at the Sprint Triathlon European Championships in Kazan this weekend.

Razarenova, silver medallist at the Triathlon World Cup event in Huatulco earlier this year, heads the list of entries for the women's elite race.

The 29-year-old is expected to be challenged by Ireland's Carolyn Hayes, who also has a World Cup silver medal to her name in 2019.

Switzerland's Julie Derron, the reigning European Triathlon Union (ETU) under-23 champion, could also be in contention for gold.

Ireland's Con Doherty will be among the favourites in the men's race having won gold this year at the 2019 Gold Coast Sprint Triathlon Oceania Cup.

The elite men and women will take to the course in the Russian city tomorrow ©ETU
The elite men and women will take to the course in the Russian city tomorrow ©ETU

Igor Polyanskiy will lead the Russian contingent, with Britain's Sam Dickinson and Rostislav Pevtsov of Azerbaijan considered dark horses for the title.

ETU President Renato Bertrandi will be in attendance at the event, which concludes with age group competitions on Sunday (July 28).

"With international triathlon returning to Russia and with so many age group athletes ready to race a course that is dominated by the massive walls of the Kremlin and a stunning skyline, I am sure there will be many special photos of this city, the “Third Capital” of Russia, shared on the various social media platforms," Bertrandi said.