Global triathlon series Challenge Family today announced their first race in Latin America with the launch of Challenge Florianopolis in Brazil. Based at Jurere International in the north of the island of Santa Catarina, the inaugural race will take place on 30 November over the half distance.
Challenge Florianopolis will feature a fast, flat course with the potential to record some of the fastest times in the world. Timed for the start of the Brazilian summer season, the seas are generally calm and the cycle is along the smooth highway road surfaces while the half marathon is along the tree-lined streets of the beautiful Jurere Internacional neighborhood.
 Chris McCormack and Brazilian pro triathlete Fernanda Keller at the launch of Challenge Florianopolis(Photo: MundoTri; click to enlarge) |
The "test event" to launch Challenge Florianopolis took place in December 2013 as the Dash 113 Triathlon and was a sell-out success.
"We started to work on the race in September of 2013, as we knew that Dash could become the first Challenge Family competition in Latin America. We have formed a partnership to a brand that is known for its high standard level of races in terms of organization, which was the same focus we had for Dash as a test event," said Carlos Fernando Menezes, CEO Challenge Brazil.
Calm water, fast roads and a great tourism infrastructure will attract athletes from all over the world to this iconic location. As the opening event of the summer season in Santa Catarina, one of the most popular states for the outdoor sports in Brazil, Challenge Florianopolis will have warm temperatures and offer plenty of fun for the entire family and friends supporting the athletes. These include a junior event the day before the main race, along many other lead-up events designed to include all ages and abilities.
The Challenge Florianopolis course begins with a one 1.9km loop swim leg off Jurere Internacional's golden sands beach. The 90km bike leg then leaves Jurere Internacional towards the SC-401 highway with its fast road surfaces before returning to start the 21km run which is a three loop course around the popular Avenida dos Búzios and its surroundings.
"Our goal is to offer one of the fastest races of the Challenge Family series, a challenge for athletes who are seeking their personal record over the half distance," said Menezes.
Felix Walchshöfer, CEO of Challenge Family, said the arrival of an event in South America was long awaited and he was delighted to be able to offer Brazilian triathletes a Challenge race in such a spectacular part of their home country.
"We have seen ever increasing numbers of Brazilian athletes competing in Challenge Family events around the world and have had so many requests for a race in South America," he said. "Now that day has arrived and we know Challenge Florianopolis will exceed expectations for athletes, spectator and the local community as we start our journey in this stunning part of the world. The destination is one of the best tourist locations in the country and one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil!"
A starting point for the expansion of Challenge Family in Latin America, Florianopolis offers all the infrastructure for such a major event, including an incredible atmosphere with the local population's passionate involvement in sporting events. For Felix Walchshöfer, the results from Dash 113 Triathlon were fundamental to guarantee another race with the same standards and values of his organization, "We always choose the best destinations and the best teams that share our values of respect and commitment with the athletes," he said.
Challenge Family ambassador and four time world champion, Chris McCormack, was in Brazil for the launch of Challenge Florianopolis and said he was delighted to be part of the race.
"It's amazing to be here in Brazil, working with the fantastic team at Dash to launch this iconic race," he said. "Florianopolis is such an awesome destination and that course is really going to encourage the athletes to push their limits as they try and beat the clock as well as their peers. In addition the beaches are second to none and it's an awesome place for athletes to come with their families to race, soak up some sun and enjoy that unique Brazilian atmosphere."
The Challenge Family series of triathlons now features 26 full and half distance races around the world, including the world's largest long distance triathlon – Challenge Roth in Germany. The birthplace of the Challenge Family, Challenge Roth now features over 5,500 athletes and 220,000 spectators and home to both world records held by Andreas Raelert (GER) and Chrissie Wellington (GBR). Since 2002, races throughout Europe, UK, Australasia, Asia, North America and now South America have joined Roth. Together they provide athletes with a new experience of long distance racing with a strong focus on athlete and spectator experience, giving back to the community while respecting the legacy of sport and being committed to its continued growth. For further information on Challenge Family visit www.challenge-family.com.
Registrations for the inaugural edition of the Challenge Florianopolis will open at 9:00am on 15 March 2014 at www.challenge-florianopolis.com.
