Entries opened today for the world’s most scenic iron distance triathlon, Challenge Wanaka in New Zealand’s South Island, which takes place on 19 January 2013. With early bird prices frozen at NZ$495 for individuals and NZ$650 for teams it remains Australasia’s best value long distance race.

Today’s entries going on sale coincides with the announcement that the tough Challenge Wanaka cycle course will change from a single lap to two lap course for 2013, cutting out the long wind-affected loop around Lake Dunstan.

Race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said the new course would result in a better race experience for both athletes and spectators.

“As Challenge Wanaka continues to go from strength to strength, we are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve,” she said. “Making the course two laps cuts out the most exposed part of the course which for the last two years has made athletes push through brutal head winds. It was also the loneliest part of the course and now athletes can enjoy more spectator support on the shorter laps as well as go through Wanaka town centre twice which will give them a huge boost. However, it will still be a tough, honest course with the testing terrain of the two laps ensuring the race will continue to be as much a battle of the mind and the elements as the body.”

Full details of the new course will be released shortly but it has been confirmed it will include two laps of the current half distance course but will not go out towards Mt Aspiring National Park turnaround for a second time.

Challenge Wanaka will take place on 19 January 2013 and is the flagship event of New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, featuring events for over 2,000 athletes of fall ages and abilities, running from 13-19 January 2013. For further information and entries, visit www.challengewanaka.com. Challenge Wanaka is part of the Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons currently featuring 12 races around the world. For further information visit www.challenge-family.com.

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Challenge Wanaka 2012 was the most successful  yet with the largest field, biggest crowds and a live broadcast all over the world! However, we think that 2013 can be better still and would love your feedback on how you think we can achieve this. Whether an athlete in the Half or Challenge Wanaka or a volunteer, it’s really important for us to receive your comments to further improve the experience for everybody in 2013.

The surveys are very quick and simple to complete, just click on one of the relevant links below:

Challenge Wanaka Athlete Survey

Lake Wanaka Half Athlete Survey

Volunteer Survey

Many thanks in advance

The Challenge Wanaka Team

Official race photos by Marathon Photos are now available online – check them out by clicking here.

Australia’s Aaron Farlow came through a strong field to win the sixth edition of the long-course Challenge Wanaka triathlon on Saturday.

Farlow broke the tape in 8:41:53, 10 minutes ahead of defending champion Jamie Whyte of Auckland with Aucklander Kieran Doe another six minutes behind in third.

Farlow, a rising Canberra-based professional, took his first Ironman win last year in the UK and showed his class with a steady performance that brought him from three minutes behind in the swim to an emphatic win. He was clearly spent at the finish.

While disappointed he couldn’t defend his title, Whyte said he was pleased with a day that saw him racing solo much of the race and unable to pick up the pace on the run as he’d hoped.

“I was trying to extract more pace from myself; I just couldn’t get any more running speed. I knew I was losing time but I just wasn’t able to get anything going on the run,” he said. “I was cleanly beaten today by the better athlete.”

Whyte vowed to return next year, and took time at the finish to thank the crowd that thronged Wanaka’s lakeside Ardmore St. “Thanks to the people of Wanaka for making me feel like I’m on my home ground,” he said.

First out of the water were quick swimmers Doe and veteran professional Bryan Rhodes, who covered the 3.8km in Lake Wanaka in just under 48min, putting both under the swim course record of 49.97. Nearly 3min in arrears came Farlow, trailed by Whyte, Courtney Ogden (AUS), Jimmy Johnsen (DEN), Keegan Williams (NZL) and Petr Vaboursek (Czech Republic).

Once onto the bike Doe and Rhodes drove the pace in the early going with Farlow, Whyte, Ogden and Johnsen rounding out the front-runners. Farlow bridged the gap to the pair, joining Doe at the 70km mark as Rhodes had dropped back with mechanical woes. Bedeviled by two flat tyres, Rhodes saw his race end about 150km into the cycle. Farlow then made what turned out to be the decisive move with 30km left to ride, overhauling Doe and coming into the second transition area with more than two minutes in hand as the gaps widened behind them. Farlow ticked off the first 21km of the marathon in 1:28:27 and had 6min on Whyte, with Doe another three minutes in arrears. Behind them Ogden and Johnsen were firing and would come through to the finish in fourth and fifth.

CRAWFORD BACK IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
The women’s race was dominated wire to wire by three-time Challenge Wanaka champion Gina Crawford of Christchurch, newly returned to full-time racing after giving birth to her first child six months ago. The 30-year-old Crawford exited the water in 54:21 and was never headed, reaching the finish in 9:44:06 after holding off a hard-charging Britta Martin on the run to take her fourth Wanaka title.

“It’s just great to push yourself to the line and see how far you can go,” Crawford said. “It’s great to be back, I’ve missed racing.”

After a strong bike, Crawford arrived in the transition area well clear of fellow Kiwi Julia Grant and Germany’s Britta Martin, a rising triathlon pro now based in Nelson. Crawford stormed onto the run course and burnt through the first 3km in 11 minutes on the way to a determined and speedy marathon. Behind her, Martin (winner of last year’s Challenge Wanaka half-distance race) was having a strong run and gaining ground but could overhaul her. At the finish Crawford had two and a half minutes on Martin and another 10 minutes on third place.

The sixth-year race saw 1,300 athletes from 30 nations competing in the half-distance and full-distance triathlons. The race covers a 3.8km swim in Lake Wanaka, a 180km bike ride past the lake and through spectacular Southern Lakes and Central Otago scenery before wrapping up with a two-lap 42.2km marathon run along the Clutha River and lake’s edge. For more information, please visit www.challenge-wanaka.com.

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RESULTS
Challenge Wanaka
21 January 2012/Wanaka, NZ
(3.8km swim/180km cycle/42.2km run)

MEN
1) Aaron Farlow (AUS) (50:43/4:44:51/3:02:41) 8:41:53
2) Jamie Whyte (NZL) (51:31/4:47:45/3:08:55) 8:51:53
3) Kieran Doe (NZL) (47:44/4:50:23/3:15:42) 8:57:17
4) Courtney Ogden (AUS) (51:38/5:04:45/3:07:37) 9:08:42
5) Jimmy Johnsen (DEN) (52:50/5:07:09/3:04:59) 9:09:05

WOMEN
1) Gina Crawford (NZL) 9:44:06
2) Britta Martin (GER)  9:47:39
3) Simone Maier (GER) 9:57:42
4) Candice Hammond (NZL) 9:58:39
5) Julia Grant (NZL) 10:01:49

Over 270 children from throughout New Zealand marked the opening of the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival with the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka.

The children, aged between six and 15, swam, biked and ran through Lake Wanaka and around Pembroke with not only personal pride at stake but also a spot as a balloon kid, running down the finish chute behind the winners of Challenge Wanaka next Saturday.

“Wow, those kids were tough today,” said Challenge Wanaka director, Victoria Murray-Orr. “I can’t believe we woke to snow on the hills this morning but that wasn’t going to stop these guys – it was awesome to see so many youngsters having so much fun.”

The Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival continues tomorrow (Monday) with the Radio Wanaka 5km Charity Fun Run followed by Swim the Course on Wednesday morning. Some of the world’s top short course athletes will race in Tri NZ’s Contact Cup on Friday night before the flag ship iron distance triathlon, Challenge Wanaka on Saturday 21^st, along with the Lake Wanaka Half. For further information, visit www.challengewanaka.com.

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The results from the event are as follows:

Boys – 6-7 years
1^st Sam Idiens (7) – Christchurch
2^nd Ian Pugh (6)  - Tauranga
3^rd Caleb Dixon (7) – Cromwell

Girls – 6-7 years
1^st Ella Landreth (7) – Landreth
2^nd Grace Creighton (7) – Wanaka
3^rd Olive-Coco Verkerk (7) – Oamarau

Winning team – 6-7 years
The Rock Stars – Georgia Bailey, Rachel Scovey and Goergia Thomson all six from Queenstown

Boys – 8-9 years
1^st Jack Keen (9) – Hokonui
2^nd James Suddaby (9) – Wanaka
3^rd Jack Findlay (8) – Wanaka

Girls – 8-9 years
1^st Jessica Ekroyd (9) – Wanaka
2^nd Jaide Dixon (9) – Cromwell
3^rd Anneke Philip (8) – Balclutha

Winning team – 8-9 years
WOW – the Women of Wanaka – Ruby Burke, Meg Harroway both 9

Boys – 10-12 years
1^st Gregor Findlay (11) – Wanaka
2^nd Callum Hancock (10) – Wellington
3^rd Roger Kerbus (10) – Wellington

Girls – 10-12 years
1^st Mia Pugh (10) – Wanaka
2^nd  Petra Hartley (11) – Winton
3^rd  Ellesse Andrews (12) – Wanaka

Winning team – 10-12 years
Zarifah – Kate Zarifah (9), Harry Zarifah (10) Charlie Murray (10) – Wanaka

Boys – 13-15 years
1^st  Matthew Adams (15) – Rangiora

Girls – 13-15 years
1^st  Molly Wheeley (12) – Winton

Winning Team – 13-15 years
The Muzzarifs – Jackson Murray (12), Jack Zarifah (13), Samuel Murray (10) – Sumner and Wanaka

For full results, please click here: Junior Challenge Results 2012.

The team at fitter.co.nz are presenting a free “racing long distance triathlon” seminar on Thursday 19 January at 2.00pm in the Race Central marquee featuring the following:

• Pre-race preparation – what to do, think about, eat, drink etc on the Friday, and Race morning)
• Race planning, strategy and execution
• The perils of endurance racing
• Questions and answers
• A chance to ask leading pro, Kieran Doe, some questions

Not sure you can handle a puncture – all is not lost! The awesome guys at Racers Edge are putting on a free puncture repair clinic for all athletes on Tuesday 17th at 6.00pm at their store on Ardmore Street. Bring your puncture repair kit and who knows, this vital bit of knowledge could make a real difference on the 21st.

Spectators can enjoy New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, Challenge Wanaka, even more when the race kicks off on 21 January with the addition of a monster screen in the centre of the lakeside town featuring live aerial coverage from the swim, bike and run courses. Combined with the expert commentary of Radio Sport’s Mark Watson and leading Australian commentator, Pete Murray, spectators on the ground can follow the thrill of the race as the world’s elite triathletes battle it out over 226km for a share of the NZ$80,000 prize purse, New Zealand’s richest iron distance prize purse.

Spectators around the globe can also experience the world’s most scenic iron distance race with the same live coverage will be broadcast around the world through www.challengewanaka.com, accompanied by live timing updates. Virtual spectators can also access the new Challenge SmartPhone site at http://m.challengewanaka.com to receive live on-course updates, athlete trackers, results, images and course maps.

Challenge Wanaka will feature 1,300 athletes from 30 nations including top contenders Gina Crawford (NZL), eight times iron distance champion; defending champion Jamie Whyte (NZL), iron distance champion Aaron Farlow (AUS), Challenge Barcelona champion, Jimmy Johnsen (DEN) and 70.3 champion, Christie Sym (AUS).

All the action at Challenge Wanaka has never been easier to follow with live TV coverage, the new SmartPhone app and a live TXT update service.

All the main race action will be shown over live online TV with expert commentary and the opportunity for virtual spectators all over the world to witness the excitement of the race along with the spectacular scenery of this demanding course. This same footage will be enjoyed by spectators in downtown Wanaka on the giant screen keeping them in thethick of the action throughout the race.

Those with a SmartPhone can access the new mobile web site (http://m.challengewanaka.com) which will give live updates, athlete tracking, race maps, results along with a timetable of events and images.

For those wanting up to the minute updates on friends and family, can subscribe to the TXT Update Service which will provide up to eight updates from around the course. A great way to keep track of athletes and also for team members to know when to make their way to transition.

The starts lists are online now featuring a full list of both teams and individuals – check out your friends and family’s race numbers and don’t forget to sign up for the TXT Update service for live updates on race day:

CW Start List

LWH Start List

With just one week to go until entries close, Challenge Wanaka has announced its largest pro field in the six year history of the event featuring multiple iron distance champions in both the men’s and women’s field.

Leading the men’s field is 2011 defending champion, Jamie Whyte (NZL) who had a breakthrough race this year. He is joined by four of New Zealand’s top athletes, three times Ironman champion Bryan Rhodes, Ironman champion Kieran Doe and rising star Keegan Williams, as well as New Zealand’s iron distance record holder and Challenge Wanaka 2010 champion, Richard Ussher.

The Kiwis take on a strong international field that include the sports most prolific iron distance triathlete and Challenge Henley-on-Thames champion Petr Vabrousek (CZE) along with former world duathlon champion, Leon Griffin (AUS), Challenge Wanaka 2008 and seven time Inferno winner, Marc Pschebizin (GER) together with Australians, Courtney Ogden who finished in second in 2011, Aaron Farlow and Justin Granger.

The women’s field is equally strong led by world record breaker and multiple iron distance champion, Rebekah Keat (AUS) and New Zealand’s own record holder and multiple iron distance champion, Gina Crawford who returns to the sport just months after giving birth to her first child. Two times half iron distance champion, Christie Sym provides some strong competition on the back of her podium finish at Wanaka in 2011, as does Belinda Harper (NZL) former age group world champion, and former Australian Long Course Champion, Nicole Ward.

The Challenge Wanaka Sports Trust has launched its volunteer programme to find 650 willing helpers to join the Locations Volunteer Crew to help deliver the region’s largest sporting event this summer, the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival from 15-21 January 2012.

Once again, the volunteer programme will support the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust (UCCMT) as its main charity. The UCCMT was established to support local families who are finding it difficult to meet the costs associated with medical treatment for their children. There have been a steady flow of applications since the Trust was established in 2009. Some assistance provided has been of a short-term nature but a number of cases are in respect to chronic long-term medical problems including the medical treatment of children by specialists where government funding is not provided and this cost would be likely to result in genuine hardship.

Peter Wilson of the UCCMT said, “We are delighted to be selected as a beneficiary from the 2012 Wanaka Challenge. Having helped at the 2011 event Trust members are looking forward to once more supporting this important sporting event. To be a beneficiary is much appreciated because the Trust has so far supported thirty-six local families and needs to work constantly to sustain its financial base.”

The volunteer programme is once again supported by Locations real estate and this year there is the opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills at one of the free training courses in either traffic control (3 December) or first aid (10 December). In addition, every member of the Locations Volunteer Crew who helps for more than eight hours goes into the draw to win a trip to Sydney, thanks to the team at World Travellers Wanaka.

“As a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the support of the community and every year it is extremely humbling when we see hundreds of volunteers, all in their red Location Volunteer Crew T shirts, making the event happen,” said Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. “We get such amazing feedback from the athletes about how much they value the support of the volunteers. A huge thank you to everyone who is so generous with their time in helping deliver this hugely beneficial event for Wanaka.”

The Challenge Wanaka Sports Trust is investing in training for up to 40 volunteers who help out at next year’s Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival that runs from 15-21 January 2012.

The Trust is providing free first aid and traffic management training for individuals and groups who would like to learn new skills that they can apply to both Challenge Wanaka and also other events in the region.

Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said the investment will result in a valuable legacy for the region. “This training will allow groups to gain valuable skills which they can then transfer to other events in the region and further enhancing their fund raising abilities. It’s also a great opportunity for individuals to learn new skills and then apply them at an exciting international sports event.”

Challenge Wanaka involves over 650 volunteers each year and as part of its volunteer programme makes a charitable donation to a number of organisations, including the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust and Rotary.

The courses available to those keen to volunteer and learn new skills are Traffic Controller (NZTA Transit Level 1) on Saturday 3 December and Workplace First Aid on Saturday 10 December, both in Wanaka. The Challenge Wanaka Sports Trust will cover all course costs, including the registration fee for the Traffic Controller course.

For information how to register, please contact event@challenge-wanaka.com.

Challenge Wanaka will welcome back three former champions to the iron distance triathlon on 21 January 2012 with reigning champion, Jamie Whyte (NZL) going head to head with course record holder, Richard Ussher (NZL), who took out the 2010 title and Marc Pschebizin (GER) who won in 2008.

Joining the former champions will be top Kiwi athletes Kieran Doe and Keegan Williams along with former world duathlon champion, Leon Griffin (AUS). Doe is fresh from his success in Asia where he secured a number of podiums including second at the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Series. Williams had a stellar European season taking third place at Challenge Roth.

In the women’s field, New Zealand record holder and three-time Challenge Wanaka champion, Gina Crawford, is making a return to the sport following the birth of her son Benjamin earlier this year.

“I am really excited to be making Challenge Wanaka my first event back after having Benjamin. I missed competing this year and with it being my favourite event I certainly don’t want to miss it two years in a row! The biggest challenge for me will be to gain the endurance needed for racing an iron distance event, as at the moment I am training around Benji’s random schedule which doesn’t allow for many long sessions. I therefore have to make the most of the time I have to train with the emphasis on quality not quantity.”

Crawford will be joined by former age group world champion Belinda Harper (NZL) who took a career best fourth place at Challenge Roth in July and Gold Coast athlete, Jodie Scott with further names to be confirmed.

Challenge Wanaka is the flagship event of New Zealand’s largest annual triathlon festival, the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival which runs from 15-21 January 2012 with over 2,000  athletes of all ages and abilities taking part in the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka, Radio Wanaka 5km Charity Fun Run, Contract Tri Sprint race, Lake Wanaka Half and Challenge Wanaka. For further information visit www.challenge-wanaka.com.

Petr Vabrousek (CZE) and Yvette Grice (GBR) have taken out the inaugural titles at Challenge Henley-on-Thames at the weekend.

The men’s race started off looking like the battle was going to be between Aaron Farlow (AUS) and Stephen Bayliss (GBR), who was first out of the water, with Lothar Leder (GER) retiring early on the bike leg.  But with only 20k to go there were just two minutes separating the top six men. Farlow was first off the bike in 4:43:13 but it was the man from the Czech Republic, Petr Vabousek who proved to be the strong man on the day becoming the eventual Challenge Henley champion by just over a minute after a 2:53:47 run split in a final time of 8:37:58.  Nicholas Peter Ward Munoz took second in 8:39:33 with Aaron Farlow holding on to third spot in 8:40:10.

“Despite the cold start, the race went very well and for me, as a former rower, it was quite iconic. I paced myself properly through the whole race and it paid off,” said Vabrousek.

The ladies race was equally dramatic, with its own twists and turns throughout the day. Three-times Norseman winner Susanne Buckenlei (GER) had to withdraw on the run and after an impressive bike, it was UK athlete Yvette Grice, who looked the strongest at the start of the run course, despite being four minutes off the pace set by Kiwi Candice Hammond. This strength was carried through the entire marathon run as she became the Challenge Henley champion in a time of 9:47:35, just 50 seconds in front of Charisa Wernick (USA).  They were over seven minutes ahead of 3^rd place Lou Collins (GBR) in 9:54:58.  Despite having the fastest bike split of the day and leading out on to the run, Kiwi athlete Candice Hammond dropped down to 4^th spot missing the top three spot by just 40 seconds.

The inaugural Challenge Henley on Thames took place against a historical backdrop with stunning scenery.  Thousands of spectators lined the routes to support athletes of all abilities as they took on the Challenge of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run.

Competitors started the race at the prestigious Henley Business School and as the mist cleared and the sun shone through the competitors completed their 3.8k swim on the Royal Regatta Course made famous by GB Olympic rowers.

The triathletes then put themselves through a fast paced three-lap closed road cycle which featured a steady 15km climb up Pishill and a slightly steeper  ride on the dual carriageway from Henley to Nettlebed with sweeping  descents through the Chiltern Hills. This was followed by a fast four lap run course next to the River Thames, with thousands coming out to support the athletes.

Challenge Wanaka is delighted to have partnered with fitter.co.nz to deliver its official 16 and 12 week training programmes.

Training for a long distance triathlon is difficult and requires a good understanding of training protocols, physical and mental preparation, nutrition, race day management, and more. To give you the greatest chance of success why not take the opportunity to gain access to an individualised program from TRI NZ accredited coaches developed specifically for Challenge Wanaka!

Now is the time to be thinking about the challenge ahead and what is required to optimise your performance on the big day. The Challenge Wanaka training program offered through fitter.co.nz will be tailored to your individual needs taking into account your physical ability, life situation, available training time and goals. We will have you in the best shape possible for race day.

All coaches working under fitter.co.nz are TRI NZ accredited and have personal experience in long distance triathlon from age group to personal participation as professional athletes. They’ve been in the coaching business for over 10 years and have first hand experience of the Wanaka course and the challenges it presents!

You can choose between a 16 week and 12 week option although if you want you can start today! You will receive from your coaching:

* personal online assessment
* a tailored individual program in 4 weekly instalments
* custom 2XU FITTER Challenge race uniform
* free shoe and foot strike analysis plus free drymax socks with every shoe purchase from Shoe Clinic stores
* weekly training feedback and monitoring
* 24hr access via e-mail
* weekly phone call
* motivation and support
* coaches will be in Wanaka for race week to assist in your last minute preparations
* swimming squads available to Auckland based athletes P.O.A.

At the second edition of the half distance triathlon Signa Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl on Sunday Swiss pro triathlete Ronnie Schildknecht never let the victory slip out of his hands after the bike split. He even didn’t let Timo Bracht from Germany get close and kept his lead all the way to the finish. Schildknecht crossed the finish line after 3:49:20, effectively shattering last year’s winning time by Michi Weiss. Timo Bracht ran through the finish gate of the Challenge after 3:51:51. Third place surprisingly went to Boris Stein from Germany, an amateur athlete, in 3:54:08. Dorian Wagner finished fourth.

For Ronnie Schildknecht, it was his first Challenge Family race and first race in Austria and he was thrilled with the result. “It was a super tough race and I had really tough competition. I had really good legs on the bike but I got cramps towards the end of the run and was not sure until the very end if my lead was big enough.” He went on to promise for the future that, “the race in Walchsee will be one of my favorites.”

Michael Göhner from Germany who was fourth last year dropped down one rank this time. Last year’s second place finisher Massimo Cigana also didn’t have a day as good as last year and had to settle for eighth place.

The women’s race saw a rematch of the duel between Yvonne van Vlerken and Eva Dollinger. It ended just like last year with Dutch Yvonne van Vlerken winning in 4:25:11 ahead of the local favorite Dollinger, who finished in 4:26:35. Third place went to Mirjam Weerd, also from the Netherlands, in 4:27:58.

This year, the women’s race was decided on the last lap of the run. Up until then, Eva Dollinger was in the lead. After the bike split, Yvonne van Vlerken had started a furious catch up and made good about one minute per lap. With just a few kilometers before the Van Vlerken passed Dollinger.

The exhaustion was visible on the winner’s face this year. “Eva did not make it easy for me.” During her preparations things had not gone well, explained the “flying Dutch girl”. Today, she had to fight hard during the swim and the bike ride. When asked how she felt while in transition from bike to run, she answered: “Not so good.” However, in the end she was able to defend her title from last year.

Eva Dollinger put her eggs in one basket from the start. “I knew I had to risk everything in order to create a gap.” This almost worked out. Dollinger explained, “My body totally shut down at the end. But I gave my all and am super happy.”

Stephen Bayliss (GBR) and Amy Marsh (USA) took out the inaugural Challenge Vichy this weekend and in doing so conquered one of the toughest races in Challenge history. Temperatures in the French spa town rose to 43C with high humidity and athletes faced strong head winds on the bike.

Bayliss took victory just one week after placing eighth in Challenge Copenhagen. He exited the swim just four seconds behind Raoul Shaw (FRA) in 50:21 and a quick transition saw him head out on to the hot and windy bike course in the lead a position he maintained after 180km with a split of 4:36:28. Meanwhile further back in the field, Challenge Wanaka champion Jamie Whyte (NZL) and Teemu Lemmettylä (FIN) were making up for disappointing swim times. Whyte exited the water in 13^th while Lemmettylä was in 19^th. By the end of the cycle, they had moved up to 5^th and 6^th respectively.

By the 10km mark on the run, Bayliss had dropped to third with Whyte and Lemmettylä hanging onto their positions in 5^th and 6^th with Damien Favre-Felix (FRA) taking the lead. The halfway point saw another change in position following the withdrawal for Favre-Felix. Fellow countryman, Benjamin Pernet moved up into pole position with Bayliss in second and Whyte in third. With 10km to go, Bayliss had secured his lead at the head of the field, a position he held onto, crossing the finish line in 8:45:29. Lemmettylä ran into second with the fastest run split of the day, 3:06:33 while Whyte finished in third

The women’s race saw Amy Marsh lead from the swim, exiting the water in 55:23 a clear three minutes ahead of Juliette Benedicto (FRA). By the end of the bike, she had extended her lead to just over 10 minutes and continued to build her lead over Benedicto throughout the run, finishing in 9:44:56. Benedicto maintained her second position throughout the race to finish in 10:01:59 while Jana Candrova (CZE) took third in 10:12:14.

Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer, said he was very happy to have the Challenge Family represented in France with such an outstanding full distance race.

“The team at Challenge Vichy did a spectacular job with a first time event. It was great to see Team TBB do so well and also it was good to see so many passionate triathlon supporters out on course. The athletes did well, especially considering the extreme heat. The course was stunning and Vichy is a wonderful region to visit – we can be sure to see Challenge Vichy grow into one of France’s must-do races,” he said.

Tim Berkel (AUS) has reclaimed his title at KMD Challenge Copenhagen in a race that was closely fought until the final few metres. The final 8 kilometres on the run was shoulder to shoulder as defending champion Tim Berkel and home town favorite Jimmy Johnsen of Denmark battled it out for a close and very exciting finish of the 3,8 km swim, 180 km bike and 42,2 km run that had over 100,000 spectators on the edge of there seats in downtown Copenhagen today.

Fast swims were followed by fast bike times and after Johnsen caught Berkel coming into the final 8 km on the run, the two triathletes tried to do serious damage to each other’s legs, each trying to get the gap that would secure the win. Finally in the last few km Berkel found the extra speed and pulled away from Johnsen and got a good lead very late in the race and took home his second consecutive title at KMD Challenge Copenhagen despite a four-minute penalty on the bike. Finish time: 8:11:15 (swim 48:24, bike 4:33:18, run 2:46:16).

“I’m over the moon to defend my title because I’ve never done that before. I love this beautiful city of Copenhagen and the crowd was amazing again this year. Jimmy made me work hard today, I was grinding my teeth towards the and was going as hard as I could,” the happy two time winner Tim Berkel said after the race.

A four-minute time penalty for drafting meant a frustrated Berkel was going hard on the run.

“I was a little disappointed by the penalty. I felt good on the bike and Bastie and I rode away towards the end so the penalty was very frustrating. After I served I started running angry and ran a ridiculous pace and had to calm myself down and settle in at a slower pace. I had Jimmy and Dejan breathing down my neck, so I got my nutrition and water in and I think Jimmy had worked hard to catch me. I managed to pull away towards the end but sprinting that last 8 km is something you don’t wanna do in an iron distance race,” Berkel tells us.

For Jimmy Johnsen it was as close as it could be for him to win his home ground race, but the strong Dane had to settle for second place only 35 seconds back after one of the most exciting iron-finishes of the year. Johnsen swam 47:40, biked 4:36:55 and ran a 2:44:02 marathon. The top two athletes recognised great performances from the opponent and hugged at the finish line while third placed Dejan Patrcevic (CRO) crossed the line just in front of Danish future hope Mads Vittrup-Pedersen who took 4th with an amazing 2:38:59 marathon.

Biking powerhouse Björn Andersson (SWE) had a solid swim in 3rd position, hammered the bike for a 4:19:47 best-of-the-day bike split, but faded heavily on the run and withdrew after about 28 km of the run.

The women’s race was much less close as last year’s winner Rebekah Keat from Australia hammered the course like it was 2010 and finished off with a 3:05:02 marathon to reclaim her title with a blistering 8:52:42 finish.

It was her fifth iron distance race under nine hours, two of them here in Copenhagen.

“I tried to focus on having a solid swim and not having to work too hard on the bike. I wanted to try to get my run legs back in this race and run around the three hours that is my level so that was great. Each lap the crowd just got bigger on the run, the second lap was good, third amazing and fourth incredible, I have never seen a crowd this big and it was fantastic today,” said Keat.

“Despite my big lead late in the run I’m not the type that’s backing off, it’s not in me, and I always run as hard as I can. I wasn’t happy with my last two 3:13′ish marathons, so I wanted to show I could run fast. I’m happy about my marathon performance today but would love to crack three hours again.”

ROTH, Germany (March 31, 2011) – The Challenge Family series of long distance triathlons today announced its expansion into South Africa with the launch of Challenge Cape Town, set to take place on 6 November 2011.

Cape Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The awesome bulk of Table Mountain, spectacular marine drives that cling to sheer mountains, the numerous sandy beaches and rivers, the enchantment of the fruit and wine regions, the rugged west coast together with a mild Mediterranean climate, make Cape Town an idyllic arena for an international triathlon.

The 226km course will take in much of the region’s most spectacular scenery. The 3.8km swim will take place at Granger Bay on the Atlantic Ocean with its stunning views of Robben Island. The 180km one-lap bike course promises to be one of the toughest in the Challenge series with over 2,000m of climbing through the Constantia winelands, including the famous Chapman’s Peak, along the coastal route as it skirts around Table Mountain and heads out to Khayelitsha. This is the largest and fastest growing township in South Africa and will allow athletes a taste of the true diversity of this region.

The marathon will start at Green Point Stadium precinct, head into the City Bowl before climbing up onto Kloof Road and down into Camps Bay with its white sandy beaches, fringed by palm trees, followed by a two loop run along the Atlantic Seaboard finishing at Green Point precinct next to the stadium.

The route is novel and testing based in the heart of Cape Town, in that it incorporates the cooler waters of Table Bay, the CBD, the wind of the Cape Flats, the entire Peninsula and the steep slopes of Table Mountain.

“Cape Town is often called the Mother City and for good reason,” said Grant Kunneke, managing director of Challenge South Africa and race director of Challenge Cape Town. “This city, which brings you the finest wine, never ending backdrops and rich history, is now adding what will be a new jewel in Cape Town’s sporting crown, Challenge Cape Town.’‘

“Cape Town was the obvious choice for Challenge Family to launch in South Africa,” said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer. “It’s one of the world’s most iconic cities and we are delighted that the city has welcomed us to create what is sure to be a memorable race for all. Where else can a course take in two oceans, the deep, rich African culture all against such a spectacular setting? We are incredibly proud to include Cape Town in the Challenge Family and we look forward to working with all the different communities to make sure it is a huge success for everyone.”

Challenge Cape Town entries open on 31 March 2011 with entry from R3300 (€330) for individual athletes and R400 (€400) for relay teams. For entries and further information, please visit www.challengecapetown.com.

Challenge Cape Town is part of the Challenge Family series that features 13 races across three continents, including the world’s largest iron distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Other races are Challenge Wanaka (New Zealand), Challenge Fuerteventura and Challenge Barcelona (Spain), Challenge Kraichgau (Germany), Challenge Cairns (Australia), Challenge Copenhagen and Challenge Aarhus (Denmark), Challenge Vichy (France), Challenge Walchsee (Austria) and Challenge Henley-on-Thames (UK). For further information, visit www.challenge-family.com (full web site available mid-April ’11).