On September 8, the world’s top triathletes will converge in one of the most breathtaking triathlon destinations for the second edition of Challenge Samarkand. Set against the historic backdrop of the ancient Old Silk Road, this event will feature a stacked pro field alongside age-group athletes from 28 nations, all competing in a race through centuries of history.
Norwegian athletes Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt lead the men’s field lineup. Iden, winner of The Championship 2023 and Hawaii champion 2022, is on a comeback and recently won Challenge Turku. Blummenfelt, the 2022 middle-distance world champion, comes fresh from competing in the Olympic Games. They are joined by the 2023 middle-distance world champion, Rico Bogen (GER), 6th in the PTO rankings, as well as Ruben Zepunkte (GER) and Tom Bishop (GBR), who is currently ranked fourth in the Challenge Family World Bonus.
Laura Madsen (DEN), who won silver at this year’s The Championship and has demonstrated strong form with two wins to her name this race season, lines up as race favourite, alongside Marta Lagownik (POL), the victor of Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria and current European Triathlon champion. An unknown over this distance and one to watch is Nicole Van Der Kaay (NZL), who makes her professional debut over 113km after representing New Zealand at the Paris Olympics just a few weeks ago.
Samarkand is one of the ancient cities of the world and an important Silk Road hub, rich in striking architecture, original culture and unrivalled heritage spanning thousands of years. Challenge Samarkand embraces all of this and more as an unforgettable triathlon destination.
Challenge Samarkand will take place on Sunday, September 8, with the race starting at 7:00 a.m. local time. Live updates are available at www.challenge-family.live. For further information on the race, visit www.challenge-samarkand.com.
Women
| Athlete | Nationality |
| Laura Madsen | DEN |
| Marta Lagownik | POL |
| Nicole Van Der Kaay | NZL |
| Lottie Lucas | UAE |
| Alina Khakimova | UZB |
Men
| Athlete | Nationality |
| Gustav Iden | NOR |
| Kristian Blummenfelt | NOR |
| Rico Bogen | GER |
| Thomas Bishop | GBR |
| Ruben Zepunkte | GER |
| Tom Hug | GER |
| Gaetan Fetaud | AND |
| Thor Bendix Madsen | DEN |
| Sebastian Fuchs | AUT |
| Luke Mathews | UAE |
| Bogdan Kovalenko | KAZ |
| Quentin Barreau | FRA |
