With more than a hundred professional athletes at the start, CHALLENGEST.PÖLTEN is gearing up for a spectacular race this weekend in which it is difficult to predict who will win. One thing is for sure: with all these athletes at the start, we can count on an exciting battle and fast times for sure.
In the men’s race, the biggest favourites seem to be Thomas Steger and Sebastian Kienle. Two weeks ago Steger was the strongest at CHALLENGERICCIONE thanks to an exceptionally strong run and this weekend Steger – an Austrian – also has the home advantage. Sebastian Kienle will also be at the start: the former World Champion was also very strong at CHALLENGERICCIONE, where he ran from an almost impossible position to a third place. This weekend, Kienle – who has often indicated that he would like to race at CHALLENGEST.PÖLTEN – will do everything he can to claim first place.
In addition, many eyes will be on Magnus Ditlev, among others – the Danish athlete is perhaps the revelation of this season and shows himself to be inimitable, especially on the bike – and Pieter Heemeryck. The Belgian didn’t have a strong season so far, but is always an athlete to be reckoned with. Athletes to be taken into account include Pablo Gonzalez Dapena, Frederic Funk, Maurice Clavel and Ruedi Wild. Dozens of outsiders will also do everything in their power to make a good surprise.
Big battle expected between Anne Haug, Imogen Simmonds, Maja Stage-Nielsen and Lisa Norden
In the women’s race, the biggest battle seems to be between Anne Haug, Imogen Simmonds, Maja Stage-Nielsen and Lisa Norden. Haug will be keen – after missing out on CHALLENGEMIAMI due to corona – to beat her rivals and race as hard as she can. Lisa Norden, who finished third during ANFI CHALLENGEMOGAN-GRANCANARIA, won’t want to let that happen will and would love to be on the highest step of the podium herself.
Unfortunately, it has proved impossible for British athletes to travel to Austria this week and so Indian Lee and Lucy Hall, among others, will not be racing CHALLENGEST.PÖLTEN. Some of the women who should also be considered for the podium include Italy’s Margie Santimaria, Germany’s Laura Zimmerman and Germany’s Lina-Kristin Schink.
CHALLENGEST.PÖLTEN will start this Sunday – May 30 – at 6:30 a.m. (CEST). You can follow a live timer and all important race updates via challenge-family.live and our social media channels. In Austria the race will be live broadcasted by ÖRF
