This Saturday, June 29, the stunning Austrian Alps will once again host one of Europe’s most picturesque and competitive Middle Distance triathlons: Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee. With nearly 50 professional athletes set to race, the 2025 edition is shaping up to deliver a thrilling weekend of elite triathlon in the heart of Tyrol.
Women’s Field Stacked with Talent and Redemption Stories
In the women’s race, Germany’s Laura Jansen returns to Walchsee for the first time since 2021, aiming to make her mark on the challenging alpine course. Austria’s Therese Feuersinger will be racing with unfinished business after a mechanical issue forced her out last year. With a runner-up finish at Challenge Sanremo and a strong short-course pedigree, Feuersinger is determined to shine on home soil.
Australia’s Milan Agnew brings proven Middle Distance success into the mix, having won Challenge Turku in 2024 and secured a top-15 at The Championship. Meanwhile, France’s Julie Iemmolo arrives in form after back-to-back podium performances, including a second-place finish at Challenge Cesenatico and a recent showing at Challenge Gdańsk.
With additional contenders expected to be announced, the women’s race promises a fierce and exciting contest.
Big Names and Newcomers Light Up the Men’s Race
The men’s race features some headline names, led by Jonathan Brownlee of Great Britain. The Olympic medalist and recent Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria runner-up brings world-class experience to Walchsee and will be a clear favourite.
Adding local flair is Austria’s Tjebbe Kaindl, making his much-anticipated Middle Distance debut. A regular on the short-course circuit and a former Olympian, Kaindl will be racing in front of a home crowd eager to cheer him on.
Australia’s Kurt McDonald, already in his sixth race of the season, brings endurance and consistency, highlighted by a top-10 at The Championship. Fellow Austrian Rafael Lukats returns after finishing fourth at Challenge St. Pölten and sixth in Walchsee last year. With recent form trending upward, he’ll be eyeing the podium.
A Scenic Stage for a World-Class Race
Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee is not only a test of athleticism, but also a celebration of sport in one of Europe’s most breathtaking settings. Athletes will tackle a 1.9 km swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Walchsee, a demanding 90 km bike course through the Tyrolean Alps, and a scenic 21.1 km run circling the lake.
