Two months to the start of triathlon’s holiday
Prague will come alive with best triathlon again in two months. Both amateurs and professionals will meet within third edition of FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE, which will start on Saturday, July 27 in the heart of metropolis. World and home stars will not be missing on the start list.
The unique venue of FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE, which belongs to the top races of worldwide series Challenge Family, attracts athletes from the entire world. In last years, the competition was enjoyed by professionals and amateurs, this year the capacity has increased. Currently, over 800 competitors are registered in all categories; the number has been increasing in the main race FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE MIDDLE. Interested people may register for other categories as well. The most favourite race is SCOTT CHALLENGETRY-ATHLON, whose distances are shorter than in classical triathlon, so it is ideal for amateur athletes.
“I am glad that athletes from both amateur and professional category return this year. I really appreciate their trust. At the same time, it is huge commitment for us to prepare them great experience, professional service and security,” says Tomáš Vrzák, the director of the race.
This year, well-known triathlon names are not missing on the start list. For the first time, Radka Vodičková-Kahlfeldt, Czech star living in Australia, will compete. Last year she joined the race as a commentator of Czech television. “I am happy that I can attend the competition as a racer. Prague is well-known as a beautiful place for tourists and it will be such nice experience to compete in its centre,” says Vodičková-Kahlfeldt.
The last edition’s winners of FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE will attend the race as well. Belgian Katrien Verstuyft dominated the race yesterday, her countryman Pieter Heemeryck won in 2017 and in 2018 he finished third. The rising star Frederic Funk from Germany will fight for top ranks.
The attendance is promised by winner of Ironman 70.3 Emma Pallant and world champion of long triathlon and last year’s silver medallist Pablo Dapena.
“Three years ago, we would never think that one of the world best triathletes would compete here in Prague. The stars such as Javier Gomez or Lucy Charles choose races very carefully,” says Vrzák. “The fact, that we may welcome them within FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE, is the question of good references and great services, which we secure them. They feel very well in Prague and we are happy for that.”
Home fans can look forward to the top Czech triathletes. Simona Křivánková figured among best 10 athletes in the last year, Petr Soukup will start for the first time in elite category and Lukáš Kočař wants to attack medal places. The blind athlete Marek Moflár, former national team member in tandem cycling and many-times winner of European Cup will be on the start as well. “There is strong competition within FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE and the atmosphere is getting better year after year, so I am really excited,” says Moflár.
