With less than a month to go until the first edition of Challenge Puerto Varas, Chile is gearing up for a true triathlon spectacle. This inaugural event will have some world-class athletes racing for gold with an exciting race expected.
In the men’s race, we can expect the most from Sam Long and Matt Hanson. The two Americans had a great season last year and will meet again in Chile in a battle for the win. But the fight will not be limited to just these two Americans, because in the men’s pro race, over 10 countries are represented. A dangerous outsider, for example, is Reinaldo Colucci; the Brazilian has played an interesting role more than once during races at the highest level and much is expected of him in Chile.
In the women’s race, the pro field is somewhat smaller for the time being, with more athletes expected to be added in the coming weeks. The shorter list of female professional athletes does not, however, mean the race level will be lower. Haley Chura (USA), Laura Siddall (GBR) and Frankie Sanjana (NED) will all have their eye on the top prize.
The first edition of Challenge Puerto Varas will be held on Sunday 20 March in the picturesque lakeside town with its iconic views. The 113km race starts with a one-lap swim in the calm waters of Lake Llanquihue, dominated by the towering snow-capped peak of Osorno Volcano. The one lap out-and-back 90km bike heads along the southern shoreline of Lake Llanquihue. Despite a 1,000m vertical gain, it is a fast and rolling course and has spectacular mountain views. The run course is three loops, the first part of each loop goes along the lake before returning through the heritage area of downtown Puerto Varas, finishing in the heart of the town with a great atmosphere and lots of crowd support.
