Challenge Family is delighted to announce the inaugural Challenge Davos Festival in Switzerland as its latest addition to the fastest growing global triathlon series.
Taking place on 16th and 17th September 2017, Challenge Davos Festival will combine the internationally-oriented middle distance race of Challenge Family with the national triathlon series “Tri Circuit”, which offers a range of short distance events for athletes for all abilities. In addition, with the aim to attract more endurance athletes, the festival will also include a time trial effort by bike, roller-skis or inline-skates (or even by run).
Zibi Szlufcik, CEO Challenge Family and Co-Organiser of Challenge Davos Festival, said: “Challenge Famiy is extremely proud and happy to finally arrive in Switzerland. The amazing city of Davos will be host to the annual Challenge Davos Festival with spectacular courses, drinking water-quality swim and breathtaking surroundings. This all-encompassing addition to the Challenge Family global schedule with qualification slots for The Championship will fulfill all expectations for athletes and spectators alike.”
 Lake Davos(Photo: Challenge Family; click to enlarge) |
Perched 1,560 metres above sea level, situated in the heart of the Swiss canton Graubünden, Davos is the highest town in Europe. Each course at the event has been meticulously designed around the “high altitude” experience to ensure that all athletes are able to compete in front of a stunning backdrop during all points in the race. In addition, road closures will allow all triathletes to race free from traffic offering the best safety conditions on the Alpine roads throughout the weekend.
Sven Riederer, four-time Triathlon Olympic participant and bronze medallist in Athens 2004, founder of MooveMee, and Co-Organiser of Challenge Davos Festival, said: “I am looking forward to establishing this exciting new triathlon destination together with Challenge Family and the local organisation team. In Davos, we can offer unique courses, which you won’t find elsewhere. The wonderful mountain landscape is a welcome contrast to other triathlon events.”
Saturday: Olympic Distance Triathlon
Competitors will swim 1.5km in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Davos before mounting their bikes to take on a 24km bike course, which will lead athletes up to the high mountain pass Flüelapass.
Although the bike course is shorter in distance than in other Olympic distance triathlons, the time needed to complete this part of the race will approximately be the same as an Olympic distance triathlon elsewhere.
Athletes will complete their triathlon by running along the shores of Lake Davos before heading towards the finish line.
Sunday 17th September: The Challenge Family Middle Distance
Regarded as the centrepiece of the programme, the middle distance will start at the edge of the beautiful Lake Davos where athletes will dive into a refreshing 1.9km swim.
After completing the swim, athletes will mount their bikes and tackle the demanding - yet equally as spectacular - 50km cycle. Each competitor will cover 1,770 vertical metres in total, which will include conquering the high mountain pass, Flüelapass, from each side.
The final third of the race will take athletes on a 21.1km run around the picturesque lake and towards the finish area.
Ernst Bromeis, OC president, a water ambassador, and former Swiss Olympic Triathlon trainer, said: “It's a dream to organise an event at the Flüelapass. It's a unique experience to enjoy the scenery in silence and to hear only your own breathing rhythm, the wind and the flowing water. I would like to thank the authorities and the Destination Davos-Klosters for great cooperation.”
Five reasons to race Davos:
- Spectacular courses set around breathtaking mountain scenery, offering a safe challenge on completely traffic-free roads.
- No drafting issues due to a challenge route up to Flüelapass. Don’t be fooled by the shorter distance of the biking leg - you will have enough time to prove your abilities.
- Hydrate while swimming: the drinking water quality of Lake Davos will let you have crystal-clear focus on your performance while spectators can follow your swimming on the shores right next to you.
- Davos offers high-quality holiday time; a diversity of sport, cultural and nightlife possibilities, many of them free of charge for overnight guests, will leave nothing to be desired.
- Innovative side-events like time trials or kids running races keep your friends andfamily active and occupied during preparation for your perfect race.
“We are excited to share the ‘high altitude’ experience with athletes, media and partners,” concludes Zibi Szlufcik. “A very experienced team of local authorities and Tri Circuit leaders will be supported by the team at Challenge Family to provide nothing short of excellence to host athletes from all over the world.”
For more information on the race, the course, and what to look out for during the event, please visit: www.challenge-davos.ch.
