Challenge Family racing returns to France on 14 May with the first of its French Riviera races over the middle distance, Challenge Fréjus. The second race in the region, Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer, will take place on 11 June.
The 20-strong Challenge Fréjus men’s pro field is headed by Sebastian Kienle (GER), as he continues to cherry pick his races of choice in his final year of professional racing, and Rudy von Berg (USA), fresh off his win in Texas. They are joined by French long-course legend, Cyril Viennot, now in his 40s but with seven long distance titles, including a world championship, to his name and a crowd favourite in these parts. Also lining up, and for his first race of the season, is William Mennesson (FRA) following a successful 2022 that saw podiums in Mallorca, Nice and Challenge Sanremo.
In the women’s field, South African Magda Nieuwoudt is the favourite on paper with two podiums in her home country and a sixth at DATEV Challenge Roth in 2022. She’ll be lining up alongside Anneka Timm (GER) and French newcomers, Nikita Paskiewiez and Aurélia Boulanger, plus Lilli Gelmini (ITA).
As well as the flagship middle distance race on the Saturday, Challenge Fréjus also features French Grand Prix racing on the Saturday with over 1,200 triathletes arriving in the Mediterranean port town, halfway between Cannes and St Tropez. The 1.9km swim sets off from the golden sands of Fréjus beach. The 90km bike takes in the beautiful Var countryside, through vineyards, picturesque stone villages and includes a climb up the Col du Bougnon with its stunning views of the Gulf of St Tropez. The run is fast and flat before finishing in the François Léotard Nature Park.
