Race of Champions at Challenge Peguera-Mallorca Next Weekend

October 8, 2023

Even though Challenge Peguera-Mallorca features a strong field every year, this year the line-up on 8 October takes the competition to the next level. Two world champions are getting ready for a battle: Alistair Brownlee (GBR) and Rico Bogen (DEU) are considered perhaps the two top seeds for victory, and with the two of them alone they almost guarantee a race of the highest level.

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – There is more than enough for triathlon fans to enjoy in the coming weeks, because with Challenge Barcelona, Challenge Vieux Boucau and Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, three races are scheduled, each featuring insanely strong professional fields.

Even though Challenge Peguera-Mallorca features a strong field every year, this year the line-up on 8 October takes the competition to the next level. Two world champions are getting ready for a battle: Alistair Brownlee (GBR) and Rico Bogen (DEU) are considered perhaps the two top seeds for victory, and with the two of them alone they almost guarantee a race of the highest level.

But there is much more to look forward to. Frederic Funk (DEU) has had an impressive season, focusing on the middle distance and with Challenge Samarkand his most recent win, will certainly have a shot at victory. The same goes for Jonathan Wayaffe. The Belgian may not be the biggest favourite on paper, but he is the defending champion and knows exactly what it takes to win a tough race like Challenge Peguera-Mallorca.

Dutchman Youri Keulen, perhaps the most successful middle distance athlete from the Netherlands, has every interest in also having a shot at victory. Following recent bad luck during Challenge Sanremo, he will be even more eager to win at Mallorca. Keulen will be joined by compatriot Menno Koolhaas: current Europe Triathlon Long Distance Champion after his win at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam three weeks ago. There he finished in a time of 7:36:36, the eighth fastest time ever recorded over the long distance.

Add into the mix Mathis Margirier (FRA), winner of The Championship 2023, Ruben Zepuntke (DEU), Simon Viain (FRA), Pablo Gonzalez Dapena (ESP) and William Mennesson (FRA) all of whom are in contention for victory or at least a podium finish and exciting racing is guaranteed. In addition, there are dozens of other outsiders in the 70 plus field worth considering next week.

In the women’s race the field is a slightly narrower, but just as impressive. Biggest favourite is defending champion Imogen Simmonds (SUI). She won last year’s race on the Spanish island in convincing fashion and will be fully focused to prolong her title this year. Lucy Buckingham seems to be her biggest competitor in that regard; the British athlete is always strong at Challenge Family races, regularly finishes on the podium and will also ask the utmost of herself next week to resist Simmonds, and all the other women racing Challenge Challenge Peguera-Mallorca.

Italy’s Margie Santimaria (ITA) can be counted among one of the dangerous outsiders. The same is true for Diede Diederiks; the Dutch triathlete has not been competing at the highest level for very long, but has already achieved an impressive amount of success over the past two years, including victory at Challenge Geraardsbergen and a second place at ANFI Challenge Gran-Canaria.

Challenge Peguera-Mallorca will take place on Saturday 14 October with the pro start at 9:00am CEST. Live updates are at www.challenge-family.live. For further information, visit www.challenge-mallorca.com.