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


Coming Triathlon Events View all

Mediterranean Epic

Oropesa del Mar, Spain

AlpsMan

Annecy, France

Bastion Chateau de Chantilly

Chantilly Oise, France

Pirene Xtreme

Cellers, Lleida, Spain

Celtman

Torridon, Scotland, United Kingdom

Schloss Triathlon Moritzburg

Moritzburg, Germany

Goto Nagasaki Int.

Nagasaki, Japan

Slateman

Llanberis Wales, United Kingdom

OpenLakes Champagne

Champagne, France

Moraviaman

Otrokovice, Czech Republic

Ironman Brazil

Florianopolis, Brazil

Ironman Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany

Ironman Philippines

Subic Bay, Philippines

Ironman Tours Metropole

Tours Métropole – Loire Valley, France

Ironman Austria

Klagenfurt, Austria

Ironman Cairns

Cairns, Australia

Ironman Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany

Ironman France

Nice, France

Ironman Switzerland

Thun, Switzerland

Ironman Vitoria Gasteiz

Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain

OnondagaMan

Jamesville NY, United States

Deuceman

Show Low, Arizona, United States

Challenge St. Polten

St. Pölten/Vienna, Austria

Harvest Moon Tri

Boulder, CO, United States

Ironlake Mugello

Barberino del Mugello, Italy

Triathlon de Luchon

Bagnères-de-Luchon, France

InfiniTri Burriana

Burriana, Spain

Half Gasteiz

Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain

Best in the West

Sweet Home, Oregon, United States

Czechman

Lake Hradek, Czech Republic

70.3 Hawaii

Kohala Coast, Hawaii, United States

70.3 Kraichgau

Kraichgau, Germany

70.3 Subic Bay

Subic Bay, Philippines

70.3 Durban

Durban, South Africa

70.3 Switzerland

Lake of Zurich, Switzerland

70.3 Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland

70.3 Western Massachusetts

Springfield, Massachusetts, United States

70.3 Bolton

Bolton, United Kingdom

70.3 Omaha

Omaha NE, United States

70.3 Alghero Sardinia

Alghero Sardinia, Italy

Triathlon News & Media Blogs View all

IRONMAN Brazil Pro Start List

IRONMAN Brazil Pro Start List

Friday 29 May 2026 [Triathlon News]

With over 20 years of tradition and experience, IRONMAN Brazil is known for its impeccable organization and well-established structure. In 2017, the event was the setting for a world record-breaking performance, highlighting the excellence of the course and the favorable conditions for high-performance athletes. In addition to the competition, participants have the chance to immerse themselves in Brazil's rich culture, more

IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau GER Pro Start List

IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau GER Pro Start List

Friday 29 May 2026 [Triathlon News]

For the 20th time, Kraichgau warmly welcomes you. We look back with pride on many great years shaped by you, the volunteers, partners, and local communities. Over time, IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau has firmly established itself in the European racing calendar and has emerged as one of the most popular triathlon events, as reflected by the fact that race entries sold out early this year. We extend a heartfelt thank you to you for continuing to write the story of this race. more

CHALLENGE St Polten AUT Pro Start List

CHALLENGE St Polten AUT Pro Start List

Friday 29 May 2026 [Triathlon News]

The European triathlon season is hitting its stride, and all roads lead to Lower Austria this weekend. Challenge St. Pölten is set to welcome a world-class field of professional athletes, ready to battle it out on one of the most scenic yet demanding courses on the circuit. Leading the charge are two powerhouse German athletes who are currently riding a massive wave of momentum. more

Alistair Brownlee Takes on Norseman Xtreme 2026

Alistair Brownlee Takes on Norseman Xtreme 2026

Thursday 28 May 2026 [Triathlon News]

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, one of the world's toughest triathlons, today made available the list of athletes who will start the 2026 race. On1 August, 250 athletes will jump from a ferry into the Hardangerfjord at 05:00 and take on 226 kilometers of swimming, cycling and running across Norway, finishing on top of Mount Gausta. more

Sam Laidlow FRA Lucy Charles-Barclay GBR Win IRONMAN Lanzarote ESP

Sam Laidlow FRA Lucy Charles-Barclay GBR Win IRONMAN Lanzarote ESP

Sunday 24 May 2026 [Triathlon News]

A record breaking day for Sam Laidlow going wire to wire in first place with an overall winning time 8:03:40 breaking the old course record by 20 minutes. Liadlow’s day started fast with a 46:25 swim split before cycling over the Island’s notorious mountain course with a 4:27:52. more

Facebook


YouTube


Sign up for FREE NEWSLETTER:

We will never share your email address or spam you.