The tension is gathering momentum for the triathletes of Challenge Vichy and the Vichy Half Triathlon as they make their way to the beautiful French city of Vichy this week.
The fight to cross the finish line first on Sunday is likely to be tight among the professionals.
Among the men, the 2 favourites are Andrej Vistica from Croatia (winner of Challenge Vichy 2013) and the French Christophe Bastie (3rd at Challenge Vichy 2013). They will be challenged by several candidates to the podium, namely Sylvain Rota (winner of IM Wales 2012), Eneko Elosegui (6th at IM China and UK), José Jeuland (4th at Challenge Vichy 2013 and 4th at IM France) and Jens Kaiser (4th at IM Regensburg).
Among the women, Martina Dogana, winner of the 2012 Challenge Vichy appears to be the favourite and is obviously seeking a second victory in the 2014 edition. Gabriella Zelinka (3rd at Challenge Vichy) and Nicola Woysch (2nd at IM Lanzarote 2010) could become her fiercest challengers.
This year, over 2,500 participant will take part on the Challenge Vichy Triathlon Festival with events for all ages and abilities. Some of the new developments for 2014 include :
- the new run course through the beautiful centre of Vichy, through the Parc des Sources, past the Opera House and along the banks of the River Allier that were completely refurbished over the winter.
- the new transition area right in front of the Palais du Lac, even closer than before to the Finish Line .
- a new layout for the Finish Line Area that will look even more spectacular with its huge screen.
- the new run course will include the restaurant area where spectators will have the opportunity to enjoy a snack or a full meal while supporting triathletes.
Pro Men
1.VISTICA Andrej HRV
2.JEULAND Jose FRA
3.BASTIE Christophe FRA
4.ROTA Sylvain FRA
5.SZABÓ Attila HUN
6.BALDWIN Nick SYC
7.KAISER Jens DEU
8.KOVACIC Jaroslav SVN
9.KOCEIC Marin HRV
10.ENEKO Elosegui ESP
11.SKETAKO Denis SVN
12.ZASYPKIN Valentin RUS
13.PETSUK Zoltan HUN
14.ONILLON Nicolas FRA
15.BERNAUD Jean-Louis FRA
16.GABRIELE Vergano ITA
Pro Women
20.DOGANA Martina ITA
21.ZELINKA Gabriella HUN
22.WOYSCH Nicole DEU
23.POTUCKOVA Eva CZE
24.DELIGNY Camille FRA
25.VAN GOSSUM Deborah BEL
26.LEMAITRE Clarisse FRA
27.MOREAU Christelle FRA
28.REYMOND Stéphanie FRA
Challenge Vichy takes place on Sunday 31 August with a 7 :00am start. For live updates please visit www.challengevichy.com.