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

Formosa Xtreme

Taitung, Taiwan, Province of China

Oxman

North Canterbury, New Zealand

Patagonman

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Fodaxman

Nova Veneza State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Saharaman

Taghit, Béchar, Algeria

Challenge Israman

Eilat, Israel

Challenge Sir Bani Yas

Sir Baniyas Island, United Arab Emirates

Kiwiman Xtreme

New Plymouth, New Zealand

Strongman

Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan

Challenge Taiwan

Taitung City, Taiwan, China

Ironman Arizona

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Ironman Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

Ironman Western Australia

Busselton, Australia

Ironman New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand

Ironman Taiwan

Penghu, Taiwan, China

Ironman Texas

The Woodlands, Texas, United States

Ironman South African

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Ironman Australia

Port Macquarie, Australia

Ironman Vietnam

Da Nang, Viet Nam

Ironman Jacksonville

Jacksonville Florida, United States

Starman Night Triathlon

Jardim da Matriz, Portugal

Hervey Bay 100

Hervey Bay QLD, Australia

Challenge Canberra

Canberra, Australia

Oil Man Texas Triathlon

Montgomery, TX, United States

Gran Jaguar

Tikal Natinal Park, Guatemala

Challenge Florianopolis

Florianopolis, Brazil

Clash Daytona

Daytona, FL, United States

Rotorua Suffer

Rotorua, New Zealand

Alpha Win Sarasota

Sarasota, FL, United States

Tauranga Half

Tauranga, New Zealand

70.3 WORLD CHAMPS WOMEN

Marbella, Spain

70.3 Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

70.3 Acapulco

Acapulco, Mexico

70.3 Goa

Goa, India

70.3 WORLD CHAMPS MEN

Marbella, Spain

70.3 Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Viet Nam

70.3 Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay, South Africa

70.3 Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

70.3 Aracaju Sergipe

Aracaju, Brazil

70.3 Valdivia

Valdivia, Chile

Triathlon News & Media Blogs View all

Josh Ferris & Julie Derron Win 70.3 Langkawi Malaysia

Josh Ferris & Julie Derron Win 70.3 Langkawi Malaysia

Saturday 01 Nov 2025 [Triathlon News]

In the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi, Josh Ferris of Australia and Julie Derron of Switzerland secured commanding wire-to-wire victories in the men's and women's professional categories, respectively, navigating the race's challenging heat and hilly course. Both Ferris and Derron highlighted the extreme heat and the difficulty of the course, especially the run segment, as major challenges of the day. more

Sara Perez Sala & Kieran Storch Win CHALLENGE Xiamen China

Sara Perez Sala & Kieran Storch Win CHALLENGE Xiamen China

Saturday 01 Nov 2025 [Triathlon News]

Challenge Family’s final Northern Hemisphere race for the year welcomed 2,000 age group and professional athletes to Challenge Xiamen with thrilling racing across the weekend. Ultimate victory went to Kieran Storch (AUS) and Sara Pérez Sala (ESP) on a course renowned for it speed. more

IRONMAN Confirms New 70.3 Northern California Triathlon Set in Redding, CA

IRONMAN Confirms New 70.3 Northern California Triathlon Set in Redding, CA

Thursday 30 Oct 2025 [Triathlon News]

IRONMAN, the global leader in long-distance triathlon, have announced the launch of a new event in Northern California with the addition of the IRONMAN® 70.3® Northern California triathlon. The inaugural race is set to take place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, with a scenic swim, bike, and run course that will guide athletes through the heart of Redding and the surrounding Shasta Cascade region. more

70.3 Langkawi Malaysia Pro Start List

70.3 Langkawi Malaysia Pro Start List

Thursday 30 Oct 2025 [Triathlon News]

Set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise, IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi takes athletes on a cultural journey through Langkawi's diverse landscapes, from coastal roads and charming villages to lush forests. The race concludes on the stunning Cenang Beach, where the adventure transitions into a relaxing Race'Cation. Along the way, participants experience the warmth of local hospitality, making the event a true community celebration. more

CHALLENGE Xiamen China Pro Start List

CHALLENGE Xiamen China Pro Start List

Thursday 30 Oct 2025 [Triathlon News]

The 2025 edition of Challenge Xiamen takes place this weekend, on Saturday 1 November, bringing world-class triathlon racing to the spectacular Huandong Romantic Coast at Tong’an Bay in southeast China. A total of 27 professional athletes are confirmed to race, promising an exciting day of competition on one of the fastest and most scenic coastal courses in Asia. more

Facebook


YouTube


Sign up for FREE NEWSLETTER:

We will never share your email address or spam you.