Challenge Sir Bani Yas returns on 31 January, welcoming a strong international field to one of the most distinctive race venues in global triathlon. The event will feature racing across the long, middle, and Olympic distances plus community events for over 4,500 age group athletes, while a large pro field of 90 plus athletes lines up for the middle-distance race, making it a key early-season contest on the world’s triathlon calendar.
With many professionals opening their season in the UAE, the race is expected to deliver surprises. Defending champion Jonathan Guisolan (SUI) returns to lead the men’s field, facing competition from Jonas Schomburg (GER), runner-up at DATEV Challenge Roth last year, and Pieter Heemeryck (BEL), who claimed a middle-distance podium in 2024 after focusing on 100km racing in recent seasons. Henri Schoeman (RSA), fifth at Challenge Samarkand, is returning to the island for a second time, while Pierre Le Corre (FRA), fourth at the most recent Olympic Games and World Triathlon Long Distance Champion in 2022, makes his Challenge Family debut. Max Stapley (GBR) also lines up following a second-place finish at Challenge Samarkand last season.
The women’s professional race features a competitive line-up led by Ellie Salthouse (AUS), winner of Challenge Samarkand in 2023, who returns after focusing on 100km distance racing last year. Fenella Langridge (GBR) lines up following her return from a difficult injury. Australia’s Natalie Van Coeverden enjoyed a consistent 2024 season with six middle-distance podium finishes, moving up to 29th place in the world ranking. She will be joined by Justine Mathieux (FRA), fifth at Challenge Roth, and Magda Nieuwoudt (RSA), a four-time Challenge Family winner. Another female to watch is Olympian Jolien Vermeylen (BEL) who will be taking on her first middle distance race following her SuperTri win in 2025. She is also the current European Olympic and Sprint distance champion.
Challenge Sir Bani Yas has also taken the unprecedented step of supporting every professional athlete, regardless of their global ranking, with full board accommodation. This will be provided over three days on the event’s cruise ship, triathlon’s only floating hotel and race hub. This commitment provides opportunity for up-and-coming professionals to gain international experience racing a world-class field and event.
“Middle Eastern hospitality is legendary and the team at ADNEC, organisers of Challenge Sir Bani Yas, are no exception,” said Challenge Family CEO, Jort Vlam. “Their commitment to athlete experience truly echoes Challenge Family’s DNA where every athlete matters. Each athlete, whether ranked in the top 10 or top 300, will receive the same inclusive Challenge Sir Bani Yas welcome, while being part of one of the most extraordinary race experiences on the international circuit. Where else can you sleep on a floating hotel at a beachfront race village with a course that includes giraffe, cheetah and antelope as spectators!”
Such a large field also requires the necessary steps to ensure fair racing and Challenge Sir Bani Yas will feature the Challenge Family 20m drafting rule.
“Challenge Family’s commitment to fair racing is well known,” continued Jort Vlam. “Our races have featured the 20m drafting since we introduced it to the sport in 2014. It goes without saying that with this large pro field, Challenge Sir Bani Yas will feature this initiative, a move that is welcomed by the athletes.”
In addition to the main races, Challenge Sir Bani Yas continues its commitment to increasing sports participation and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle in the region, with special recognition to the UAE’s Year of the Family in 2026. A wide range of community races and side events will be held throughout the weekend, catering to children, families, and island visitors of all ages and abilities. Combined with the island’s excursions and natural setting, the event offers an experience that extends well beyond race day.
Challenge Sir Bani Yas takes place on Sir Bani Yas Island, a natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi in the Arabian Gulf. The course passes through the island’s wildlife reserve, home to more than 17,000 free-roaming animals including giraffe and antelope, offering a race environment unique in the sport.
Challenge Sir Bani Yas takes place this Saturday, with live stream and commentary by Belinda Granger, as well as live timing and race updates at www.challenge-family.live.
Further information and a full pro list can be found at www.challenge-sirbaniyas.com/en/athlete-info/professionals-2026