This Sunday, 3 September, Challenge Coquimbo-La Serena is on the agenda for South American athletes. With mostly Chilean favourites, all hoping to win at their home country, an exciting race with spectacular views and a challenging course awaits.
Challenge Coquimbo-La Serena consists of one 1.9km swim, completed in beautiful Coquimbo Bay, where participants are treated to beautiful clear water. The bike takes place on the main highway, which goes along the Pacific Ocean coastline before returning inland towards T2, enjoying the beautiful valleys the region has to offer. The run involves multiple laps, which include stunning views of the ocean, as well as running past the Iconic Monumental Lighthouse and the Third Millennium Cross.
In the men's race, Chilean Martin Ulloa is the top seed. Domestically, the national hero is certainly being watched and he will want to do everything possible to live up to his role as biggest favourite. But competition can be expected from the likes of fellow Chileans Nicolas Saez, Vicente Trewhela, Roberto Rivera Cabrera and Felipe van de Wyngard. Armando Abaunza - from Panama - will battle to try to keep the Chileans from claiming the entire podium!
In the women's race, the most is expected from Florencia Vasquez, who earlier this year competed at Challenge Puerto Varas in southern Chile. Recently she competed in the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon, but now she’s aiming for a victory at home soil. Francisca Garrido, who also participated in Challenge Puerto Varas, will again cross swords with Vasquez and preferably take the top step of the podium. Both ladies will also meet Pemela Tastets once again, giving a repeat of the battle previously fought in Challenge Puerto Varas.
The start gun of the inaugural Challenge Coquimbo-La Serena will go off at 8:00am local time on Sunday 3 September.