The inaugural Challenge London on August 6, has confirmed additional top athletes Sam Laidlow (FRA), Els Visser (NED), and Renée Kiley (AUS). With the London Triathlon recently rebranded as Challenge London, the event marks Challenge Family’s re-entry into the UK market.
Sam Laidlow, ranked fourth in the PTO rankings, will compete against the likes of James Teagle (GBR), Matt Trautmann (RSA), and Caleb Noble (AUS) in the 20-strong male pro field. The race will take place through the central London streets, providing a competition for the first ever Challenge London title.
“It’s a bit of a last minute decision for me but I couldn’t resist going back to my home country to race in one of the best venues in the world,” said Laidlow. “I raced the Olympic distance here as a junior and got my ass kicked, so now it’s time to come back and claim that win.”
Meanwhile, Els Visser, who has already claimed victory at IRONMAN New Zealand and secured second place at Challenge Wanaka this season, along with Renée Kiley, coming off a third-place finish at Challenge Wales, will join top seeds Fenella Langridge (GBR) and Magda Nieuwoudt (RSA) in the women’s race.
The course, known for its fast and flat terrain, will pass by London landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.
Challenge London is billed as the world’s largest city centre triathlon and welcomes participants of all abilities. With various distances and challenges, including Super Sprint, Sprint, Sprint Relay, Olympic, Olympic Relay, and Middle, the event accommodates over 5,000 participants.
