Posted: December 19, 2007

Triathlon: Challenge France fills for 2008

The inaugural Challenge France, set for 25 May 2008 in Niederbronn-les-Bains, has filled with a capacity field of 1200 athletes and a waiting list has opened. A top-flight international professional field, including Ironman stars Rutger Beke of Belgium, Belinda and Justin Granger from Australia, Spain’s Marcel Zamora, Germany’s Markus Forster and Maik Twelsiek, and France’s Alexandra Louison, has already committed to the half Ironman race. Athletes from 18 countries—with 33 percent coming from outside France—will tackle the course through the scenic natural reserve in the Vosges region near Strasbourg. “TEAMChallenge Roth is thrilled with this success as it is not only the first race in Europe outside Roth with our label, it is also the first European half Ironman race to be booked out for the 2008 season,” said TEAMChallenge Roth’s Felix Walchshöfer. “The pro athlete list is immense and we’re proud to offer the biggest prize purse over this distance in Europe next year. The team in France did an extraordinary job and we are looking forward to offering the same warm welcoming atmosphere in Niederbronn-les-Bains as in Roth. The natural park that is home to the race will be loved by our participants.” The swim will be one 1.9km lap of Moutherouse Lake, which is19km from Niederbronn-les-Bains. The slightly hilly, two-lap, 90km bike will be staged on the roads through the nature park of the northern Vosges. And the closing 21km run will take place over two challenging loops on forest roads and trails. Participants will be treated to a weekend of triathlon fun, complete with a full expo, a children’s triathlon and a post-race buffet at the closing ceremonies that will be capped by a spectacular water show produced by Aquatic Show International on the evening of the race. Professional athletes will be vying for a prize purse that tops 22,000 euro, with 4000 euro to the male and female winners; prizes also are on offer for the best team performances. Places on the waiting list will be allocated on a space-available basis. To join the waiting list or to learn more, visit www.challenge-france.com. Challenge France's sponsors include: Alsace, La Communauté des Communes de Niederbonn-les Bains, La Communauté des Communes du Pays du Verre et de Cristal, Lance Sport, MX3, Event System, Géodis Calberson, Celtic, Boelhi, France Express, Endurance Training Concept, Les3sports.com, Sport+, TV3V, La Regie, TV Cristal and the Quelle Challenge Roth. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest