It\u2019s under a week until close to 2,000 athletes line up to be part of the largest ever Challenge Family The Championship at the x-bionic sphere near Bratislava in Slovakia. Over 100 of those athletes are some of the world\u2019s top professionals as they race for the 100,000 euro prize purse and Challenge Family\u2019s ultimate title on Sunday 19 May.<\/p>\n
The men\u2019s race features a quality field with top seeds Pieter Heemeryck (BEL) and Frederic Funk (GER) both returning to \u0160amor\u00edn with an eye on the top spot after both previously placing second. But they will have to contend with current 70.3 world champion, Rico Bogen (GER), who is lining up at the x-bionic sphere for the first time, alongside fellow countryman, Jan Stratmann. Also in the mix are Kacper St\u0119pniak (POL), Kyle Smith (NZL), Antonio Benito (ESP), Jan Stratmann (GER), James Teagle (GBR), Mark Dubrick (USA), Tom Bishop (GBR), Joe Skipper (GBR) and Bart Aernouts (BEL).<\/p>\n
Women\u2019s defending champion, India Lee (GBR) is returning to reclaim her title, but Els Visser (NED) will not be wanting to break her 2024 winning streak and is aiming for her fourth win of the season. Fenella Langridge (GBR), Caroline Pohle (GER) and Marta Sanchez (ESP) will all be doing everything in their power to stop her.<\/p>\n
All the world-class professional racing action will be broadcast live and for free on Sunday 19 May through The Championship Live powered by ROUVY livestream at www.challenge-family.live as well as on Facebook Live @challengefamily and @challengesamorin. Live coverage starts at 8:15am CEST with the male pro start at 8:30am and females at 8:40am.<\/p>\n
As well as the flagship The Championship race, the weekend also includes several lead-in events as triathlon for every age and ability is celebrated. These include the Special Olympics, as well as sprint and standard events plus a try-athlon for first timers, all taking place in the unrivalled Olympic training venue of x-bionic\u00ae sphere.<\/p>\n