CHALLENGE Turku Finland Pro Preview

The Challenge Turku race weekend is set to take place in the heart of historic Turku on 27/28 July. It will feature Junior, Sprint, Challenge4All, and Middle-Distance events. With its fast and course and exciting pro field, this event promises an exhilarating experience for both participants and spectators.

Over 20 professional athletes will compete this weekend at Challenge Turku, with a strong Nordic presence in the international field. Among the men, Gustav Iden (NOR), a World Champion, Olympian and The Championship 2021 winner, is racing as he slowly returns from a long-term injury. Joao Ferreira (POR), familiar with Challenge Family races and boasting several top-five results in 2022, will also compete.

In the women’s field, Sara Perez Sala (ESP), the 2022 winner of The Championship and silver medallist in 2023, is racing. She is joined by Milan Agnew (AUS), who secured her first middle-distance podium at Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer, and local favourite Heini Hartikainen (FIN), a silver medallist at Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer achieving her first podium this year. These athletes and many others will compete for top honours in what promises to be a thrilling race.

Challenge Turku is a true city race, taking place right in the centre of Turku. The 1.9 km swim course is located at the river mouth, where spectators can follow the entire swim segment from the riverbanks. This unique course features many museum ships, making it feel like a swim through an open-air museum.

The 90 km bike segment will lead athletes across the city onto the highway and the surrounding countryside. Spectators can watch the race from the many bridges crossing the route.

The 21 km run course heads along the riverbanks in the city centre, where the community will be out in full force to cheer on and support the athletes.

The race starts at 8:50 am on Sunday, 28 July. For further information, visit www.challenge-turku.com.

Women

Men