FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE as a challenge also for ice hockey Olympian

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FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE as a challenge also for ice hockey Olympian

After the exceptionally successful last year’s premiere, Prague will come alive thanks to triathlon again – the second year of FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE returns to the heart of the Czech Republic on Saturday, July 28th. Almost three months before the event, the organizers have already received more than 850 applications from nearly 40 countries from the entire world.

As in the last year, the competition starts with the swimming part on Strelecky island, the finish is places on Vitezna street. People can choose from four categories – FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE MIDDLE, CHALLENGEPRAGUE RELAYS, CHALLENGEJUNIOR or CHALLENGETRY-ATHLON.

FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE MIDDLE has become the unique part of CHALLENGEFAMILY, a worldwide triathlon series that has 41 races in 21 countries. Last year’s premiere of the race was won by Belgian Pieter Heemeryck who is trained by Czech coach Lubos Bilek. The female category was dominated by UK athlete Lucy Charles. Among the top competitors were also Czech triathletes – Pavel Petrasek (7th place) and Simona Krivankova (4th place).

The organizers believe not only professional triathletes but also other sportsmen and celebrities will join the race this year. The participation is considered for example by government commissioner for sport and 1998 Nagano Olympic hockey champion, former goalkeeper of Czech national team Milan Hnilicka who has been given a Czech national jersey with starting number 33.

“I see the biggest asset of FOR CHALLENGEPRAGUE mainly when it is not an event only for the professionals but also for general public. Last year’s interest in the race is a proof that people look for active possibilities of sporting,” Milan Hnilicka said. “About my participation – it is a big challenge for me because I’ve never tried a triathlon race. Let’s see, maybe I’ll join the try-athlon category,” former national team goalkeeper added.

The main race – FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE MIDDLE – is scheduled for Saturday 28th, the triathletes attend 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling and a final run of 21, 1 km. The swimming part takes place in the surroundings of Strelecky island, then triathletes go two laps on bike out of the historical center of Prague towards Vrane nad Vltavou and back and they finish in four running laps alongside Vltava river through Rašínovo embankment, Náplavka, Palackeho bridge and Janackovo embankment.

After last year’s success, CHALLENGETRY-ATHLON race will be prepared again. Its distance is ten times shorter than in the classic triathlon. This category is ideal for anyone who wants to try triathlon for the first time and does not have experience with it. The participants can look forward to the unique experience and atmosphere of the international event right in the heart of Prague. CHALLENGEPRAGUE RELAYS and CHALLENGEJUNIOR will also be part of the triathlon weekend.

People interested in participating at the CHALLENGE PRAGUE can register at www.challenge-prague.com.

 

INFORMATION

Date: 28th July 2018

Place: Praha

Start: Strelecky island

Finish: Vitezna street

 

APPLICATIONS

Current state of applicants: 838

From which:

  • MIDDLE: 652
  • RELAYS: 19
  • TRY-ATHLON: 95
  • JUNIOR: 34

 

PROGRAM

Friday 27th July

  • EXPO – trade show of the sporting equipment and partners of the race (Vítězná street)
  • CHALLENGEJUNIOR– running race for children and youth from 3 to 15 years (Střelecký island)

Saturday 28th July

  • EXPO – trade show of the sporting equipment and partners of the race (Vítězná street)
  • FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE MIDDLE (1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21.1 km run)
  • CHALLENGEPRAGUE RELAYS (three members, 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21.1 km run)
  • CHALLENGETRY-ATHLON (0.38 km swim, 18 km bike, 4,2 km run)