Challenge Family has continued its expansion in France with the addition of a fourth race following the announcement of Challenge Vieux Boucau on the south-west Atlantic coast. The inaugural event will take place over the middle distance on 21 October 2023.
Vieux Boucau is a family seaside resort in the Landes de Gascogne forest renowned for its unique landscape of sand dunes, long beaches and sheltered marine lake along with endless hiking, biking and running trails plus great surf.
“We’re excited to bring another Challenge Family race to French athletes with all four races offering a very different race experience,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO. “The wild west coast is well-known for surfing but the sheltered marine lake is the perfect location for the swim and the flat roads through the beautiful Landes countryside promise some fast times on the bike. Race organisers Clément Besse and Céline Champion bring a wealth of experience to Challenge Family and we’re looking forward to working with them and the local Vieux Boucau community to bring a memorable race to end the European season with for French and international athletes alike.”
Race director, Clément Besse, said he was delighted to bring international triathlon to the region with Challenge Family. “Welcome to the Landes! We are very pleased to establish an international triathlon in the region and create a new way to discover the Atlantic coast. Our approach to triathlon is both sporting but also friendly and festive. All the ingredients are gathered to make this weekend a great triathlon party and we hope to share it with as many as possible,” he said.
Local athlete, Antoine Scortatore said, “Vieux Boucau will be a great challenge at the end of the year, the venue is perfect for an international triathlon festival featuring a course of rare beauty.”
After the point-to-point 1.9km swim in the marine lake – a saltwater swim with no waves or current – athletes will exit transition over the dam and onto the single loop, flat and fast 90km bike course through the pine forests and typical Landes villages. The run is four laps around the marine lake, line with spectators to spur athletes on to the finish line in the heart of Vieux Boucau village.
Challenge Vieux Boucau joins the other French races of Challenge Montpellier (middle and long distance), Challenge Fréjus (middle distance) and Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer (middle distance). The inaugural event will take place on 21 October 2023
