Over 1,100 triathletes will descend on Belgium on Sunday, June 12, and take on the cobblestones of Skoda Challenge Geraardsbergen in a sell-out event.
This middle distance triathlon is renowned for the Muur van Geraardsbergen, a 1km steep cobblestoned climb over 91 vertical metres and an average gradient of 7.8%, that cyclists must tackle twice over the 90km bike course.
The Skoda Challenge Geraardsbergen 1.9km swim takes place in a unique lake-to-lake course. The 90km cycle leg is a mix of rolling roads through quiet rural areas with spectator hotspots and Flemisch hills.
The double passage over the Muur is billed by the race organisers as ‘one of the most unforgettable experiences in all of triathlon.’
The 21.1km run takes athletes through the main city square of Challenge Geraardsbergen surrounded by ancient heritage buildings, through City Abbey Park before reaching the finish line in the heart of the city.
Defending champion and local hero, Pieter Heemeryck (BEL) returns in a bid to retain his title. However, fellow countrymen, Pamphiel Pareyn and Timothy van Houtem (winner of Challenge Madrid 2018) will be providing some stiff competition, as will Germany’s Marc Eggeling who recently took fourth place at Challenge Kraichgau. Also in the mix could be Anthony Costes (FRA) who has a number of full and middle distance titles to his name.
The women’s field seems evenly matched on paper with Nicole Falcaro (USA), Diede Diederiks (NED) and Alexandra Tondeur (BEL) all contenders for the podium. Also in contention is Margie Santimaria (ITA) after her recent third place at Challenge Malta.
www.challenge-geraardsbergen.com
