The inaugural Challenge London on 6 August has just become even more highly anticipated with the confirmation of additional top athletes Sam Laidlow (FRA), Els Visser (NED), and Ren\u00e9e Kiley (AUS).<\/p>\n
Laidlow, ranked fourth in the PTO rankings, will compete against the likes of James Teagle (GBR), Matt Trautmann (RSA), and Caleb Noble (AUS) in the 20-strong male pro field. The race will take place through the central London streets, providing a thrilling competition for the first ever Challenge London title.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a bit of a last minute decision for me but I couldn\u2019t resist going back to my home country to race in one of the best venues in the world,\u201d said Laidlow. \u201cI raced the Olympic distance here as a junior and got my ass kicked, so now it\u2019s time to come back and claim that win!\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Visser, who has already claimed victory at Ironman New Zealand and secured second place at Challenge Wanaka this season, along with Kiley, coming off a third-place finish at Challenge Wales, will join top seeds Fenella Langridge (GBR) and Magda Nieuwoudt (RSA) in the women’s race.<\/p>\n
The course, known for its fast and flat terrain, will pass by iconic London landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. Challenge London is the world’s largest city centre triathlon and welcomes participants of all abilities. With various distances and challenges, including Super Sprint, Sprint, Sprint Relay, Olympic, Olympic Relay, and Middle, the event accommodates over 5,000 athletes.<\/p>\n