On Sunday, May 12, 2024, 1,300 athletes from 22 countries will line up at the inaugural Challenge Cesenatico on Italy’s Adriatic Coast. The event takes in 113km of swim, bike & run on a course the organisers point out is… ‘steeped in cycling history.’
A 40-strong pro field includes local favourite, Alessandro Fabien as well as Dieter Comhair (BEL), Marcel Bolbat (GER) and Ogenjen Stojanović (SRB).
In the women’s race, Austrians Gabriele Obmann and Lisa Dornauer are well matched. They will also be up against Aurelia Boulanger (ITA) and local athlete Marta Bernardi.
Cesenatico is regarded as a home of Italian cycling and will host the start of Stage Two of this year’s Tour de France. At Challenge Cesenatico, following the 1.9km swim off Cesenatico Beach, the 90km bike course is entirely designed in the hills of Romagna, a region located on the border between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany with its picturesque landscapes, and technical climbs and descents.
The final 21km run course will be a flat multi-lap route along the Cesenatico seafront – with spectators helping the athletes to soak up the atmosphere as it drives them to the finish line in Cesenatico’s Levante Park.
