The iconic x-bionic sphere in Šamorín, Slovakia, is set to host Challenge Family’s flagship event, The Championship, on Sunday, 24 May. As a qualification-only event, this year’s edition features a highly competitive field of over 80 elite professional athletes alongside more than 1,200 age-group competitors. With defending champions Kristian Høgenhaug and Hanne de Vet absent from the start list, two entirely new champions will be crowned.
Men’s Race: Funk and Draper Headline a Deep Field
The men’s professional race features several athletes capable of taking the title, led by course veteran Frederic Funk (GER). Funk has raced in Šamorín six times, securing three podium finishes, though a victory has so far eluded him. Known for his strength on the bike, Funk is expected to drive a aggressive pace early in the race.
He faces strong competition from a diverse field of contenders:
- Will Draper (GBR): The reigning European Champion following his long-distance debut victory at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam last year. Only two weeks ago he did win Challenge Salou.
- Daniel Bækkegård (DEN)*: Looking to re-establish his position at the sport’s highest level after a recent period of rebuilding.
- Pierre le Corre (FRA) & Henry Räppo (EST): Both enter the event as high-profile contenders for the podium.
The men’s lineup also includes former champion Florian Angert (GER), alongside proven international competitors such as Jannik Schaufler (GER), Mathias Petersen (DEN), Harry Palmer (GBR), Damien Le Mesnager (FRA), Michele Sarzilla (ITA), and James Teagle (GBR).
*Just today was announced Baekkegard won’t start.
Women’s Race: High-Ranking Competitors Set for Tight Battle
The women’s field is highly competitive as well, featuring 11 athletes currently ranked in the PTO world top 100.
World No. 13 Ellie Salthouse* (AUS) enters the race as the top-ranked athlete, closely followed by World No. 17 Caroline Pohle (GER), who recently secured a dominant victory at Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria.
*Just today was announced Salthouse won’t start.
The other top-100 athletes scheduled to compete include:
| Athlete | Country | World Ranking |
| Marta Sánchez | ESP | #26 |
| Katrine Græsbøll Christensen | DEN | #30 |
| Lena Meissner | GER | #37 |
| Justine Guérard | FRA | #48 |
| Elisabetta Curridori | ITA | #49 |
| Anastacia Damm Nielsen | DEN | #60 |
| Lisa-Maria Dornauer | AUT | #80 |
| Minttu Hukka | FIN | #92 |
| Lilli Gelmini | ITA | #96 |
Given the mix of disciplines represented – with specific athletes specializing in the swim, bike, and run legs – the women’s race is expected to see multiple lead changes before reaching the finish line at the x-bionic sphere.