A full distance triathlon in what is universally regarded as the world's most beautiful city was today announced by Challenge Family with the launch of Challenge Venice, taking place on 5 June 2016.
With the iconic Venetian skyline as a backdrop and a fast, flat course through the beautiful 'Garden of Venice' countryside, Challenge Venice is set to become one of the most memorable and spectacular races in the world.
 Venice(Photo: Challenge Family; click to enlarge) |
Centred round one of Europe's largest urban parks, the Parco San Giuliano, the race starts with the 3.8km two-lap swim in the calm internal lagoon in front of Venice with an expected water temperature of around 22C while the air temperature is usually about 24C in June.
The first 20km of the bike course is through the Mestre area before heading out into the countryside of Venice – the 'Garden of Venice'. What follows are three laps of 46 km, totally flat and with a perfect asphalt, surrounded by beautiful Palladian villas, rivers and meadows, where it will be possible also for the spectator to follow the race from the water in a boat sailing in the Sile River! There are hotspots for spectators, close to typical Italian trattoria, where the fans can go from Parco San Giuliano by dedicated bus, and spend part of the day watching the bike course and tasting some great Italian food.
The 42.2km run course is all within Parco San Giuliano and the surrounding area over four laps that will give the possibility to the spectators to see the athletes four times as they pass through the finish line area overlooking the Venice lagoon to the historic city beyond.
"Venice is a truly spectacular destination for a race, combining amazing sightseeing, history and culture with triathlon's ultimate distance over a truly stunning course," said Challenge Family CEO Zibi Szlufcik. "Once again, we have created a race for athletes with a focus on quality, outstanding athlete experience and inclusivity for all family, supporters and spectators. It's a privilege to hold a race in Venice and we can't wait to share it with the triathlon world."
Luigi Bianchi, President of FITRI (Italian Triathlon Federation) offered his support for the event, saying, "The new full distance event Challenge Venice is hosted in a city with a globally regarded legacy of beauty, art, history and culture, representing the unique country of Italy. There will be celebration of the sports for the whole weekend and this race certifies the growth of triathlon in Italy and it will promote our sport worldwide: this will be the third Challenge event in Italy after Challenge Rimini and Challenge Forte Village in Sardinia and the Federation will work closely and offer full support to the organization of the new Challenge Venice."
With demand expected to be high and registration limited to 1.000 athletes for the first year, athletes are invited to pre-register for Challenge Venice from today (until July 7) at www.challengevenice.com. Preferential entries for pre-registered athletes open on 9 July while general entries will open on 13 July. The early bird entry fee for individual athletes is €375.
For further information visit www.challengevenice.com.
