With less than a month to go until the first edition of Challenge Puerto Varas in Chile, the inaugural event will feature some world-class athletes at the start line.
The first edition of Challenge Puerto Varas will be held on Sunday 20 March in a picturesque lakeside town with views and a mountain back-drop.
In the men’s race, Sam Long and Matt Hanson will be chasing for the top spot. The two American athletes had a strong season last year and will meet again in Chile in a battle for the win. However, the fight will not be limited to just these two American athletes. In the men’s pro race, over 10 countries are represented.
Challlenge Family notes that… ‘A dangerous outsider, for example, is Reinaldo Colucci; the Brazilian has played an interesting role more than once during races at the highest level, and much is expected of him in Chile.’
In the women’s race, the pro field is somewhat smaller for the time being, with more athletes expected to be added in the coming weeks. Haley Chura and Jackie Hering, both from the USA, will be up against Laura Siddall (GBR) and Frankie Sanjana (NED).
The 113km race starts with a one-lap swim in the calm waters of Lake Llanquihue, dominated by the towering snow-capped peak of Osorno Volcano.
The one lap out-and-back 90km bike heads along the southern shoreline of Lake Llanquihue. Despite a 1,000m vertical gain, the organisers note that it is a fast and rolling course and has spectacular mountain views.
The run course is three loops, the first part of each loop goes along the lake before returning through the heritage area of downtown Puerto Varas, finishing in the heart of the town with plenty of crowd support.
www.challenge-puerto-varas.com
