LIVERPOOL will be the setting for a high-profile triathlon in 2009.

The inaugural sporting challenge is expected to take place on Sunday, June 21 on the city’s historic waterfront.

Liverpool city council is in talks with British triathlon organisers Sign Safe Ltd to launch the sporting spectacular.

It is expected to attract around 1,000 competitors in the adult and child categories.

Andy Medlock, manager of Sign Safe, which organises triathlon events in the UK and in mainland Europe, said: “It’s an exciting event for June.

“We’ve been in discussions with the city for more than a year.

“There’s been a lack of a major triathlon in the region. There is an elite event in Manchester but the closest mass participation triathlon to Liverpool is Oxford.

“I think a lot of people will come and do a quality event like this. It’s in a city centre and on closed roads which is a major attraction for competitors.

“It’s one of the things I believe Liverpool city council sees as a legacy event following 2008.”