The crème de la crème of the triathlon world will make its way to the Canary Islands this weekend to line up at Challenge Family's opening event for the European season, Challenge Fuerteventura, this Saturday 25 April.
European Long Distance Champion 2014, Markus Fachbach (GER) heads the men's field, joined by former duathlon World Champion, Joerie Vansteelant (BEL), Challenge Roth champion Timo Bracht (GER) along with local hero, Spaniard Víctor Manuel del Corral and former European champion Ritchie Nicholls (GBR).
The women's field is equally impressive with triathlon legend and six time Hawaii champion, Natascha Badmann (SUI) lining up in the crystal clear waters of Playitas on Fuerteventura. But she is not alone. World champion and recent Challenge Dubai champion Daniela Ryf (SUI) will be standing right beside her, as will current European champion Corinne Abraham (GBR), Asa Lundstrom (SWE) and Daniela Sämmler (GER).
The rugged beauty of the Canary Islands is the venue for Playitas Challenge Fuerteventura. The half distance race is known as the perfect season opener for Europeans who want to test themselves on a tough course set against the dramatic volcanic backdrop of this spectacular island.
All the action is centred around the well-known triathlon training centre of Playitas Sports Resort in southern Fuerteventura. After the swim in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the demanding bike leg includes several inclines and leads through the picturesque villages of Tuineje and Pajara. The nature of the island means the course is as much a battle of the elements as the course with strong, hot winds almost a given on the testing 90km loop.
The final half-marathon starts by weaving through Playitas Resort before heading out on a stiff climb to the lighthouse with spectacular ocean views before finishing in the heart of the resort.
To follow the race, visit www.challengefuerteventura.com. Race start at 8:00am local time on 25 April 2015.
