This weekend, all eyes turn to southeast China as Challenge Xiamen 2025 brings world-class triathlon racing back to the spectacular Huandong Romantic Coast at Tong’an Bay. On Saturday, 1 November, 25 professional athletes will go head-to-head on one of Asia’s fastest and most scenic Middle Distance courses, promising a showdown rich in both speed and spectacle.
The Men’s Race: Experience Meets Ambition
Leading the men’s field is Serbia’s Ognjen Stojanović, a Challenge Family mainstay whose consistency has defined his 2025 season. With 10 races already under his belt – seven of them within the Challenge circuit – and four podiums to his name, the veteran’s mix of endurance and tactical nous make him a clear favorite.
New Zealand’s Sam Osborne brings his trademark intensity to Xiamen after a season of seven starts and two podiums, while Australia’s Kieran Storch, fresh off his victory at Challenge Taiwan Half, will be chasing another statement performance. Rounding out the contenders are Switzerland’s Jonathan Guisolan, Australia’s Nicholas Free, and China’s own Hao Miao, who’ll have the home crowd firmly behind him.
The Women’s Race: Youth, Momentum, and Proven Form
The women’s field is equally compelling, led by defending champion Alanis Siffert of Switzerland. At just 23, Siffert has enjoyed a breakout season, collecting five wins from ten races – including Challenge Taiwan Half – and an impressive third place at Challenge Roth. She’ll face fierce competition from New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson, whose steady run of podiums underlines her reliability and race craft, and Spain’s Sara Perez Sala, who arrives in Xiamen riding a wave of form after wins and podiums across the Challenge series.
Australia’s Chloe Hartnett and local favorite Wang Siyu add further depth to a start list brimming with emerging and established talent.