CHALLENGE Cancun offers a race in paradise & a strong pro field

Wednesday 28 April 2021

After wonderful races in Taiwan and Gran Canaria, CHALLENGE FAMILY is now gearing up for CHALLENGE CANCUN. Racing under the Mexican sun, in crystal clear water and among a particularly strong field of participants: this Sunday, May 2, the action bursts loose.

In the men's field, the biggest favourite is undoubtedly the Spanish Javier Gómez, who also competed at the end of last year's CHALLENGE DAYTONA but was unable to get involved in the battle for a place on the podium there. Nevertheless, Gómez is considered one of the best athletes in the world - which is not surprising when you look at his record - and so he seems to be the high favourite for victory. There is no doubt that he will race for what he is worth and search for limits in his search to take the win.  

Gómez still has to live up to that role of favourite, something that is not easy among the men he will be up against. For example, the Danish Patrick Nilsson will be at the start, who is known as an athlete that can surprise and who always competes for the win and nothing less. Also at the start are routines Andy Potts (USA), who also counts as title defender after his win in 2019, and Michael Weiss (AUS). The Swiss Ruedi Wild seems to be someone to take into account as an outsider.

Among the women, New Zealand's Anneke Jenkins is considered the big favourite to take the win at CHALLENGE CANCUN. Due to travel restrictions, the women's field in Cancun is a little less thickly packed than in the men's, but that doesn't mean Jenkins can get ready for an easy day at the office. Local favourites Palmira Alvarez and Adriana Carreno will be at the start for example, but the French Anne Basso could also provide a surprise. There are also a number of American women at the start, including Annie Kelly, Kimberly Goodell, Sierra Snyder, Katherin Vermann, Nicole Valentine and Natasha van der Merve.

CHALLENGE CANCUN starts next Sunday - May 2 - at 6:30am local time (1:30pm CET)

Follow live updates of the race at www.challenge-family.live

About CHALLENGE FAMILY
CHALLENGE FAMILY is one of the fastest-growing global triathlon series. With 35 full and middle distances in 28 different countries, CHALLENGE FAMILY is changing the face of triathlon around the world. Due to spectacular courses in iconic destinations, no CHALLENGE FAMILY race is like another. Focusing on delivering the race of a lifetime to athletes of all ages and abilities, CHALLENGE FAMILY races provide memorable experiences that capture all the excitement and emotions of this inspirational sport.

CHALLENGE Family


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Knysna, South Africa

Formosa Xtreme

Taitung, Taiwan, Province of China

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North Canterbury, New Zealand

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Cozumel, Mexico

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Taupo, New Zealand

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Penghu, Taiwan, China

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Ironman South African

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Challenge Forte Village

Sardinia, Italy

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Barcelona, Spain

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Edisto Island, SC, United States

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Limassol, Cyprus

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Xiamen, China

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