Challenge Family today confirmed all professional triathletes competing in Challenge Bahrain next month are invited to take part in a closed Pro Athlete Forum, providing them with an opportunity to discuss key elements of the sport in a relaxed environment with Challenge Family leaders Felix Walchshöfer and Zibi Szlufcik.
The Forum is just part of Challenge Family's commitment to the pro athletes. Recently Challenge Family conducted a world-wide survey that asked age groupers about their perceptions of pro athletes. The results showed that the general triathlon community shares the same views as Challenge Family – that professional athletes are an essential part of our sport and are highly valued. 74% of respondents think that pro athletes add value to an event while 62% think pro athletes are a very important part of the sport.
The field at Challenge Bahrain is the best ever assembled for a half distance event including Sebastian Kienle, Pete Jacobs, Dirk Bockel, Jan Frodeno, Mirinda Carfrae, Rachel Joyce, Caroline Steffen and Jodie Stimpson and provides the perfect opportunity to gauge feedback and discussion from a large cross section of professional athletes on issues that effect them and how Challenge Family can support best practices to achieve their goals.
"Challenge Family has always had utmost respect for professional athletes, they are the ambassadors of our sport and we place great importance on the close relationship we have them," said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO. "Last year, Challenge Family supported professional athletes to the tune of US$3.2 million in prize money and assistance, paying 10 deep at each race. And this figure will continue to rise as Challenge Family grows around the world. We are very much looking forward to hearing the comments at the pro forum and to working with those involved to continue to improve triathlon and supporting the pro athlete community at every level, from those who have just broken into the pro ranks to those at the top of the sport."
Challenge Bahrain will take place on 6 December 2014 with over 90 professional athletes signing up for a share of its record-breaking US$500,000 prize purse. Full online live coverage will be broadcast on race day at www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh.
