Getting under way on Sunday, October 26, Challenge Barcelona 2025 is preparing to welcome 2,600 athletes to the start line for its race weekend, including a first-ever middle-distance race.
The new middle distance option aims to meet growing demand from athletes for longer and more challenging racing in the event’s urban coastal setting. According to Challenge Family… ‘The [middle distance] race brings world-class racing to the heart of one of the most iconic cities in the world.’
The event has attracted nearly 70 professional athletes, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names and rising stars, helping to ensure strong competition across both men’s and women’s races.
Leading the men’s field is Michele Bortolamedi (ITA), who finished second at last year’s Challenge Barcelona in his debut professional season. He’ll be joined by Leonard Arnold (GER), the reigning Challenge Sanremo champion, and Jamie Riddle (RSA), who will make his Challenge Family debut and is tipped to be a strong contender. Other notable names include Jack Hutchens (GBR), Bart Aernouts (BEL), and Ruben Zepuntke (GER), ensuring a competitive and international men’s field.
In the women’s race, Kaidi Kivioja (EST) comes in with strong momentum after a win earlier this season and will be aiming for another podium finish in Barcelona. She will be challenged by Cathia Schär (SUI), who made headlines with her victory at Challenge Peguera-Mallorca on her very first middle distance race just last week. Marta Bernardo (ITA), who placed fifth at Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, will also be on the start line and looking to build on her recent form. The field is rounded out by a strong group including Alexia Bailey (GBR), Sophia Green (GBR), and Sarah Schönfelder (GER) — all ready to make their mark on the fast and scenic Barcelona course.
This year, building on its shorter course roots, as Challenge Barcelona hosts its first middle-distance offering, athletes can experience a range of racing options through the streets and coastline of the Catalan capital.
With the Sagrada Família as a backdrop on the bike course and the Mediterranean Sea along the run, competitors and spectators alike can expect a memorable race atmosphere.
Expanded weekend schedule and youth focus
Open water races of 1.9km and 3.8km will be held on Saturday, October 25, along with an Aquathlon. A Junior Challenge, targeting athletes aged 12 to 17, will return with a short-course, super sprint format and full race services.
2025 event formats:
- Middle distance: 1,900m swim / 88km bike / 21km run
- Sprint distance: 750m swim / 20km bike / 5km run
- Junior Challenge: 300m swim / 7km bike / 1.5km run
- Aquathlon: 750m swim / 5km run
- Open water: 1.9km or 3.8km
Middle and sprint distances will be open to relay teams, with the sprint also offering a pairs format. All other events are individual.
The weekend will also feature an expo at CEM de la Mar Bella, showcasing leading triathlon brands and attracting thousands of visitors across the event days — making it a social hub of the competition.
The professional athletes start at 08:00 CET on October 26, 2025, with live updates and live timing available at challenge-family.live.
