Switzerland’s Cathia Schär is set to defend her title this coming Saturday at the sold-out Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, while Britain’s Will Draper enters as the pre-race favourite in the men’s field. As is tradition, the Spanish race boasts a deep, highly competitive line-up, opening the door for a host of world-class contenders to contend for top honours.
For Schär, returning to Challenge Peguera-Mallorca carries special significance: it was here that the 24-year-old secured her maiden professional victory last year. That win catalysed a remarkable stretch of form, as she backed it up just a week later with a second consecutive title at Challenge Barcelona. Returning to the Balearic Island, Schär will look to capitalize on the scenic yet notoriously demanding course.
Schär’s primary threat comes from Germany’s Caroline Pohle. Ranked World No. 17 – four spots ahead of Schär – Pohle arrives with the freedom of an athlete enjoying a standout campaign. Her impressive 2026 record includes victories at Challenge Mogan-Gran Canaria, The Championship, Challenge St Pölten, Trumer Triathlon, and IM 70.3 Leipzig, alongside a strong fifth-place finish in her long-distance debut at DATEV Challenge Roth. Pohle will be eager to add a sixth 2026-victory to her tally on Mallorca.
Beyond the top two, the women’s field features significant depth. PTO World Ranking Top-100 athletes include Germany’s Merle Brunnée (#60) and Sarah Schönfelder (#73), as well as Italy’s Marta Bernardi (#84). Outside the top hundred, dangerous contenders such as Barbora Besperát, Anne Reischmann, and Laura Jansen remain strong podium candidates.
In the men’s race, Will Draper starts as the standout favourite. Holding a PTO World Ranking of #27, the Brit is on paper the strongest athlete in the field. Draper enjoyed a breakout season last year with victories at Challenge Mogan-Gran Canaria, Challenge Samarkand, and Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, where he claimed the European Long Distance Title. This season, he added a win at Challenge Salou alongside third-place finishes at both The Championship and Challenge Samarkand.
Belgium’s Joran Driesen, ranked 58th globally, shapes up as Draper’s chief rival. Following a quiet ninth-place finish at Challenge Mogan-Gran Canaria early in the season, Driesen launched an impressive run featuring wins at IM 70.3 Alghero and OpenLakes Belgium, a runner-up finish at IM 70.3 Kraichgau, and third at IM 70.3 Swansea.
Great Britain’s Jack Hutchens (#70) and Louis Buttrick (#83) round out the PTO Top-100 entrants in what promises to be a tightly contested race.
The race will broadcast live at www.challenge-family.live with English commentary by Belinda Granger. Broadcast starts at 8:50am local time with race start at 9:00am CEST.
Challenge Peguera Mallorca delivers a standout season finale for both professional and age group athletes that blends demanding competition with a true holiday vibe. Athletes take on a course defined by dramatic elevation changes, coastal views, and technical sections. The event is famous for its crowd energy, seamless delivery, and lively post-race festivities that bring the entire community together. With ideal late-year conditions and the unique character of the island, this race offers a memorable and rewarding way to finish the year for athletes and their families. For further information, visit www.challenge-mallorca.com.