A new long distance triathlon has been added to next year’s international race calendar with the announcement of Challenge Montpellier on 7 May 2023. The latest member of the Challenge Family series will take in 226km of the rural and urban landscapes of southern France.
‘It will also feature one of the few single-lap 180km bike courses on the international triathlon circuit.’
In addition to the long distance race, Challenge Montpellier will also run over the middle distance – with both events making the most of the region’s Hérault landscapes amid vineyards and olive trees.
The long distance course also takes in a section of the Les Gorges de l’Hérault and skirts the base of a well-known local landmark, Le Pic Saint Loup, one of the most beautiful natural sites in the area.
Challenge Montpellier Race Director, Bertrand Mulot said he and his co-organisers, Antoine Pineau and Pierry Baldet, were looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world.
“We are looking forward to welcoming athletes to the first edition of Challenge Montpellier, an event set up by triathletes for triathletes,” Mulot said. “A swim in the Mediterranean Sea, bike courses that allow you to discover the varied landscapes of the Hérault and a run through the new districts of Montpellier along the smallest river in France for a festive arrival at the Zénith Sud de Montpellier.
“And it’s all about the whole family with free events for children on the Saturday afternoon. Challenge Montpellier is an event where social and environmental responsibility are highlighted such as tree planting in the town of Villeneuve lès Maguelonne; and part of every registration fee is donated to a heart transplant charity.
“Organising an event of this magnitude cannot be done without the significant support of local authorities (Métropole de Montpellier, Département de l’Herault, Région Occitanie), our sponsors and our volunteers. We hope all triathletes have an extraordinary race that will make Challenge Montpellier an essential event on the French and European calendar.”
Challenge Family CEO, Jort Vlam said “We’re delighted to confirm a new long distance race on the Challenge Family race calendar.
“Bertrand, Antoine and Pierry are not only passionate about triathlon, they understand the importance of community and we look forward to working with them to develop Challenge Montpellier into an event that brings benefits at multiple levels to the region as well as a memorable race for the athletes and their families.
“With its single lap bike course, the wonderful French ‘joie de vivre’, and amazing setting, we look forward to Challenge Montpellier quickly becoming a bucket-list race for athletes around the world.”
The 3.8km/1.9km swim start is based at Le Prévost beach in Villeneuve lès Maguelone, around 10km from Montpellier. The water quality is said to be ‘exceptional’ and has been recognised for more than 30 years under the Blue Flag label.
The bike is a single, 180km/90km loop; and athletes will travel through typical towns and landscapes of the south, La Taillade, Les Gorges de l’Hérault, Le Pic Saint Loup and its vineyards before arriving at T2 at Le Zénith Sud de Montpellier festival complex.
The multi-lap 42.2km/21.1km run goes along Le Lez, the smallest river in France, allowing triathletes to discover the architecture of Montpellier, Antigone, Arbre Blanc, Nouvelle Mairie and the Port Marianne district before enjoying the finish line celebrations at Le Zénith Sud de Montpellier.
