American Matt Hanson is most likely considered the biggest favorite for this Sunday’s Challenge Santa Marta. It is the first edition of the race in Colombia, yet we can look forward to an undoubtedly exciting battle for the medals.
The balmy shores of the Caribbean, overlooked by the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, will be the setting for this Sunday’s Challenge Santa Marta. One of the oldest cities in South America, Santa Marta has a strong architectural heritage, stunning landscapes and a cultural legacy with colonial treasures. The glacial breeze coming down from the mountains and the warm sea breeze work together to make the experience unforgettable.
Someone who wants to make the experience unforgettable in any case is Matt Hanson. The American already finished second at Challenge Puerto Varas earlier this year and nineteenth at The Championship in Samorin, but is eager to add a victory to 2023. The same is undoubtedly true for Luciano Taccone: the Argentinian finished fourth at Challenge Puerto Varas, thus finishing behind Hanson, but has already won Ironman Brasil this season. In addition, he finished second in Cozumel just last week, so Taccone is in excellent form and will want to continue that form at Challenge Santa Marta. Dangerous outsiders include Justin Kiele, Kyle Warrick, Mike Vulanich and Alejandro Guzmán Medina.
In the women’s race, most will be looking at the young but very eager Chilean Florencia Vasquez, who won Challenge Coquimbo-La Serena earlier this season. She will face opposition from Argentina’s Romina Palacio Balena, among others.
“Santa Marta is not only Colombia’s premier beach destination, but with its rich history and gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Lost City of Teyuna, there is plenty to do pre- and post-race,” said Jort Vlam, CEO Challenge Family. “We delighted to bring another Challenge Family race to our South American athletes, and it’s also a great destination race for those from further afield. Managed by the same team who produce the successful Challenge Puerto Varas in Chile, I have no doubt this will quickly become a must-do on the South American triathlon calendar.”
The 1.9km swim takes place in the warm waters off Santa Marta’s main beach and with an average water temperature of 28°C in June, there is no need to pack a wetsuit! The two-lap 90km bike is fast and flat, skirting the Sierra Nevada foothills as it heads towards Tayrona National Park. The four-lap 21.1km run is also flat, through the streets of Santa Marta and along the ocean before a beachfront finish on the main boulevard. The race wil start at 6am local time, 1pm CEST.