Long-distance triathlon world record holder Sam Laidlow has confirmed his place on the start line at Challenge Samarkand in Uzbekistan on September 13, 2026, making the event his final competitive appearance before the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
The 27-year-old Frenchman arrives in Samarkand following a performance at DATEV Challenge Roth, where he defended his title and set a new long-distance world record of 7:21:04. The achievement further established Laidlow as he builds towards one of the biggest targets of his 2026 season.
Laidlow said Challenge Samarkand’s course, conditions and September timing provide the opportunity for a final race before travelling to Hawaii.
Sam Laidlow said “Challenge Samarkand marks my final stop before the World Championships. The course and conditions are exactly what I’m looking for in a final hit-out, and I’m excited to race somewhere completely new.”
Laidlow will take on Challenge Samarkand’s middle-distance course, featuring a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run. The race begins with a swim in the purpose-built rowing lake before athletes take on a course set within the Central Asian city.
Located along the Silk Road, Samarkand’s 113km course takes athletes past historical architecture and monuments. The UNESCO World Heritage setting provides athletes with the opportunity to compete in the city, while the Silk Road Samarkand complex serves as the centre of the race experience.
Taking place across September 12–13, 2026, the Challenge Samarkand weekend, organised by Challenge Family, also features sprint and relay racing, a women’s run and children’s events. The complete men’s and women’s professional start lists will be announced by the organisers in due course.
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