On August 24, Challenge Samarkand will host its third edition, bringing professional and amateur athletes to Uzbekistan’s historic Silk Road city. The race has quickly established itself as a distinctive stop on the international triathlon calendar, combining a unique setting with a competitive professional start list.
In the men’s field, Britain’s Will Draper arrives following a strong season, highlighted by victory at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria and a runner-up finish at Challenge St. Pölten. South Africa’s Henri Schoeman, an Olympian, will be aiming to bounce back after a difficult outing at Challenge Roth. Serbia’s Ognjen Stojanovic, second earlier this year at Challenge Cesenatico, adds further depth to the field, while Germany’s Marcel Bolbat enters with momentum from wins at Challenge Israman and Challenge Gdańsk. Making his Challenge Family debut, Max Stapley (GBR) will also be one to watch.
The women’s race features several proven contenders. Sara Perez Sala (ESP), second at Challenge Sir Bani Yas, will face Poland’s Marta Lagownik, who has been consistently on podiums this year, including a win at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria. Chloe Sparrow (GBR), winner at Challenge St. Pölten, returns to racing after injury, while Sweden’s Anna Bergsten will be looking to improve on a challenging season. Also lining up is Amelia Watkinson (NZL), a former Challenge Taiwan Half winner, who appears to be regaining form following recent podium finishes.
With established names and new faces in the mix, Challenge Samarkand 2025 is shaping up to be a competitive and unpredictable race in both the men’s and women’s fields.