Brand new Challenge Bled will host the 2020 ETU European Championships: ‘Memorable race for years to come’

June 12, 2020

While CHALLENGE BLED is scheduled for the weekend of 18-20 September 2020, European athletes can look forward to more than ‘just’ a race in the pearl of Slovenia. It is with pride that CHALLENGE FAMILY announces that this brand new CHALLENGE BLED will host the 2020 ETU Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships, ETU Aquathlon European Championships and ETU Aquabike European Championships as well. “We are very honored to be entrusted with the organization of the ETU European Championships”, says Race Director Miro Kregar in a first reaction.

“We are aware of the responsibility that such an organization requires, and at the same time we are very pleased to be able to offer athletes from all over Europe a varied race weekend, which they will be able to spend in one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe”, Kregar continues.

This ETU European Championships would rather be held during CHALLENGE KAISERWINKL-WALCHSEE, but as this race unfortunately was cancelled due to the coronavirus, the ETU and CHALLENGE FAMILY started looking for other possibilities and found it in the iconic CHALLENGE BLED.

 CHALLENGE BLED will feature one of the most scenic courses. The swim course is set in the beautiful Lake Bled, with a picturesque island and Bled Castle sitting enthroned above the lakefront. On the bike course, athletes will experience the beauty of the Triglav National Park with an exceptional route that runs along the stunning Bohinj Lake and leads up to the World Cup Biathlon Center of Pokljuka. With a total elevation gain of 1.100 meters and fantastic views on the Julian Alps, athletes will be provided with a challenging but rewarding course. To finish off the race, the fast run course is set along the banks of Lake Bled and features a spectacular backdrop of the Julian Alps, Bled Castle and Lake Bled. “The stay of athletes will be enriched with authentic cuisine and sightseeing in the near and far surroundings. We will do our best to make their stay and race in Slovenia memorable for many years to come”, thus Kregar directly addressed to athletes.

CHALLENGE FAMILY CEO Jort Vlam is also more than satisfied with the ETU European Championships at CHALLENGE BLED. “This shows that the ETU sees immediate potential in this brand new CHALLENGE FAMILY race and still gives athletes the chance to race for the coveted European titles. Slovenia is – if you talk about the coronavirus – at this moment one of the safest areas in the world. Of course we will continue to monitor this as safety is as always our highest priority, but we are hopeful that we will be able to enjoy some great races together soon. It’s all about the athletes and we can’t wait to see them race again.”