After last year’s big disappointment, when after only 2km into the bike Challenge Davos had to be cancelled due to thunderstorms, all the lights are now on green for a spectacular race this weekend. In the pro race, it is Olympian Nicola Spirig who is the star attraction. Spirig is the favourite among the women, racing at home after her wins at Challenge Gran Canaria and the European Middle Distance Championship at Challenge Walchsee earlier this season and recently competing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. She can expect the most opposition from Lena Berlinger (DEU) plus there are also several top local athletes racing in Davos, such as Nina Derron, Anna Eberhardt and Melanie Maurer.
In the men’s race – where twenty pro athletes will compete for the win – it is hard to predict what will happen. With many young, talented athletes toeing the line, there is a good chance that the men’s race of Challenge Davos will break open right from the start. Many will be watching for Britain’s Thomas Bishop.
The Middle Distance pro race starts on Saturday 28 August at 10:45 am CEST. Athletes swim 1.9km in the beautiful lake of Davos, with its cold but crystal-clear water. After the swim the adventure really begins, because then the Flüela Pass awaits on the bike – a climb of 13km – twice. Challenge Davos is not only a race in stunning scenery, but also a race for athletes who are not afraid of a challenge. After the bike course, with its significant vertical gain, the half marathon again is characterised by the beautiful views and breath-taking scenery.
