Scheduled to take place on September 18-20, 2020, the new Challenge Bled in Slovenia has been slated to host the 2020 ETU Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships, ETU Aquathlon European Championships and ETU Aquabike European Championships.
“We are very honoured to be entrusted with the organization of the ETU European Championships,” said Race Director Miro Kregar.
“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.”
This ETU European Championships would have been during Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee. But, as this race was cancelled due to coronavirus, the European Triathlon Union (ETU) and Challenge Family started looking for other possibilities and found it in the new Challenge Bled event.
The Challenge Bled swim course is set in Lake Bled, with a picturesque island and Bled Castle sitting above the lakefront. On the bike course, athletes will experience the Triglav National Park with an route that runs along Bohinj Lake and leads up to the World Cup Biathlon Center of Pokljuka.
With a total elevation gain of 1,100m and views of 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 backdrop of the Julian Alps, Bled Castle and the lake.
“The stay of athletes will be enriched with authentic cuisine and sightseeing in the near and far surroundings,”, Miro Kregar added. “We will do our best to make their stay and race in Slovenia memorable for many years to come.”
Challenge Family CEO Jort Vlam said “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.”
