Barcelona is gearing up for one of the most exciting weekends on the triathlon calendar. With just days to go until Challenge Barcelona 2025, more than 2,600 athletes are preparing to take on the Catalan capital’s iconic streets and coastline – and for the first time, the event will include a Middle Distance race.
For a city already renowned for its energy, culture, and sport, Challenge Barcelona is fast becoming a triathlon highlight. This year’s edition promises world-class racing, a vibrant atmosphere, and a pro field packed with both established stars and fresh talent.
Nearly 70 professional athletes will line up across the men’s and women’s races, setting the stage for fierce competition from start to finish.
In the men’s field, all eyes will be on Italy’s Michele Bortolamedi, runner-up in Barcelona last year and one of the sport’s breakout names. After a stellar debut season, Bortolamedi returns hungry for the top step of the podium. Standing in his way are Leonard Arnold of Germany, reigning Challenge Sanremo champion, and South Africa’s Jamie Riddle, who is making his Challenge Family debut and is widely regarded as one to watch. Add in the experience of Jack Hutchens (GBR), Bart Aernouts (BEL), and Ruben Zepuntke (GER), and the men’s race looks set to deliver fireworks.
The women’s start list is equally strong. Estonia’s Kaidi Kivioja arrives in top form after an early-season win and will look to continue her momentum in Barcelona. Swiss athlete Cathia Schär will be one to watch after her headline-grabbing victory at Challenge Peguera-Mallorca just a week ago – remarkably, in her first-ever Middle Distance race. Marta Bernardo (ITA), fifth in Mallorca, will look to build on that performance, while Alexia Bailey (GBR), Sophia Green (GBR), and Sarah Schönfelder (GER) complete a field rich with emerging talent.
The course itself is one of the event’s biggest draws. Athletes will race past the city’s most famous landmarks – with the Sagrada Família rising over the bike leg and the Mediterranean Sea framing the run – creating one of the most picturesque race settings anywhere in the world.