The first edition of Challenge Salinas, set to take place on December 10, 2023, in western Ecuador, is the last race in the 2023 Challenge Family race calendar.
The Challenge Salinas course is billed as one of the most unique in the world. The bike course has special access across an active military base before heading through a national park and then crossing the local airport runway!
Both the bike and run also take in the Pacific Ocean coastline with the swim in the sheltered waters off the main beach.
The race start time is 06:30 local time on Sunday, December 10th. Challenge Family cites… ‘A small but interesting pro field will cross swords in Ecuador, which could make for an exciting battle.’
The race – at least the women’s race – will also see final decisions in the Challenge Family World Bonus standings.
In the women’s race, the favourite is Margie Santimaria (ITA), who as has already competed in several Challenge Family races this year and ranks eighth within the Challenge Family World Bonus. If she wins Challenge Salinas, however, she moves up to fourth place in one fell swoop.
Most competition can be expected from Slovakia’s Margaréta Bicanova as well as Canada’s Rachel Faulds. There are also a number of local favourites at the start in the women’s race. Ana Torres and Elizabeth Bravo, for example, will want to show their best in front of a home crowd.
In the men’s race, Canadian Jackson Laundry may be the biggest favourite for the win. He will be up against American Marc Dubrick, as well as British athlete Jack Hutchens and Portugal’s Joao Ferrieira.
