The Challenge Family has issued further details on the Challenge Vichy event that was announced back in October 2010. As its latest addition to its already impressive list of world class races Challenge Vichy presents a long distance triathlon comprising a 3.8K swim, 180K cycle and 42.2K run, with the event to take place on 21 August 2011.
Former professional triathlete Gael Mainard will lead the organisation. A local of the Auvergne region, he wished to organise this event in his home town. His local knowledge will position him perfectly to present competitors with the beautiful countryside and rich history of this region; 109 mineral springs and 80 volcanoes will allow the athletes to recover in the most natural environment.
According to the organising team, the area was an easy choice for Challenge as Vichy is perfectly situated to accommodate a triathlon of this scale:
Vichy, known for its mineral spas offers a wide range of accommodation options and is situated in an ideal position in the centre of France with easy access by both road and rail, as well as being only 50 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand’s international airport.
Vichy’s thermal spas will only increase the attractiveness of this event to both athletes and their supporters who may like to take this opportunity to mix the thrill of racing with a relaxing holiday.
The city of Vichy is home to many first class sporting venues including a Regional Institute of Sport, an outdoor 50 metre swimming pool and a multisport centre that is ideally positioned within the beautiful parks throughout the city.
Race site
The race headquarters will be situated at the Pierre Coulon multisports centre which is on the bank of the Allier River. This is where many of the grand moments of the Challenge Vichy event will take place, notably the opening and closing ceremonies, the swim start and the transition area.
The Palais du Lac will be the centre piece of the finish line surrounded by grandstands capable of holding up to 2000 spectators.
The expo will be home to numerous triathlon brands showcasing their latest equipment, and past and presents stars of the triathlon world as well as a dedicated restaurant area allowing both athletes and spectators to dine in the shade and tranquillity of the park.
Programme and course
The race organisers have chosen to design a fast course which is rare in France, with the country normally famous for its more difficult courses. ‘This course will be perfectly suited for those athletes who want to smash their personal best times, bike specialists or for the Ironman novices.’
The Opening Ceremony to be held on Friday 19 August will mark the official opening of the inaugural Challenge Vichy festivities including the pasta party, which will be prepared by restaurateur Laurent Ferreira (over 10 Ironman distance finishes to his credit). The Saturday afternoon will see athletes rack their bikes in one of the most beautiful transition areas only meters from the Allier River.
Sunday 21 August will see the athletes preparing at 5am under the spotlights of the Pierre Coulon multisports centre, with the start to be given only moments after sunrise at 7am. 5 wave starts will set the rhythm for the eventful day to come. The multiple waves and the wide banks of the Allier River will enable the athletes to swim freely until the swim turn around.
Once on dry land athletes will be greeted by a 200m run to transition with the support of a cheering crowd. The transition area will be arranged like most major international triathlons with personal transition bags and a change tent.
