The ancient Silk Road hosts world-class triathlon this weekend as Challenge Samarkand returns on Sunday, 13 September, featuring defending champions, world-record holders, and a deep international field.
Following past appearances by world champions Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden, Rico Bogen, and Frederic Funk, the fast Uzbekistan course once again delivers an elite lineup.
Men’s Race: World Record Holder Headlines Star-Studded Field
Fresh off setting the fastest long-distance time in history at Challenge Roth, Sam Laidlow (FRA) leads the men’s field. Laidlow is targeting the 113km race as a key benchmark ahead of the IM World Championship in Kona.
His path to victory faces strong opposition, led by returning champion Will Draper (GBR), who dominated last year’s hot conditions. British contenders Cameron Main (PTO #35) and Jack Hutchens (PTO #81) add further depth alongside a stacked international contingent:
- Henri Schoeman (RSA, PTO #66):
- Ognjen Stojanović (SRB, PTO #60)
- Florian Angert (GER, PTO #67)
- Rostislav Pevtsov (UKR, PTO #96)
Women’s Race: Deep Top-100 Field Challenges Pérez Sala
Defending champion Sara Pérez Sala (ESP) returns as the race favorite, holding the highest PTO ranking in the field at #16.
However, the women’s elite division features 11 athletes ranked inside the PTO top 100, setting up a highly competitive race:
- Daisy Davies (GBR, PTO #28)
- Natalie van Coevorden (AUS, PTO #30)
- Nicole van der Kaay (NZL, PTO #42)
- Marta Lagownik (POL, PTO #46)
- Megan McDonald (GBR, PTO #48)
- Anna Pabinger (AUT, PTO #57)
- Milan Agnew (AUS, PTO #79)
- Lilli Gelmini (ITA, PTO #95)
- Brooke Gillies (GBR, PTO #98)
Historic Course and Festival Weekend
The 113km middle-distance course passes historic monuments along the Silk Road, providing a fast, flat layout paired with iconic scenery.
Running across 12–13 September 2026, the weekend event schedule also features sprint, relay, women’s run, and youth events alongside the elite middle-distance showcase.
