Challenge Turku returns on Sunday, 27 July, bringing high-level racing to the heart of Finland\u2019s oldest city. While the professional field may be smaller than in previous years, it remains full of talent and exciting matchups, with athletes from across Europe ready to take on the iconic city course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the men\u2019s race, Norway\u2019s Marius Bjerkeset leads the contenders after a strong third-place finish at Challenge Gda\u0144sk last month. He will be joined by Jan Vol\u00e1r (CZE), who delivered a solid top-10 result at Challenge Salou earlier this season, and Frederick Webb (GBR), who has shown consistent form with top-10 finishes at both Challenge Salou and Challenge Mog\u00e1n-Gran Canaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The women\u2019s field features some of the most promising names on the circuit. Dutch athlete Marlene De Boer, last year\u2019s winner at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam and runner-up at Challenge Salou 2025, will be one to watch. She will face strong competition from Iida Reini (FIN), the local favourite, who was second in Turku last year and recently placed sixth at The Championship. Denmark\u2019s Emely Ravn, sixth at Challenge St. P\u00f6lten, will also line up in Turku after racing DATEV Challenge Roth \u2014 hoping for a quick recovery and another strong showing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Challenge Turku offers one of the most scenic and spectator-friendly races in the Challenge Family series. The 1.9 km swim is held at the mouth of the Aura River, where fans can follow nearly the entire leg from the shore. The 90 km bike course travels from the historic city centre into the surrounding countryside, and the 21 km run course winds along the riverside with an energetic and supportive crowd lining the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n