On Sunday 13 September, the historic Old Silk Road will once again play host to Challenge Samarkand, and the race promises to be one to watch. Not only are defending champions Will Draper (GBR) and Sara Pérez Sala (ESP) returning, but the world’s fastest man over the long distance, Sam Laidlow (FRA), is also on the start line.
Challenge Samarkand has a proven history of big names choosing the race in Uzbekistan, including Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden, Rico Bogen, and Frederic Funk, who have all lined up here before and this year is no different. Laidlow, who recently won DATEV Challenge Roth in the fastest time ever recorded over 226km views Challenge Samarkand as a bucket-list race, and one which he intends to use as a final form test in the lead-up to Kona.
A win over 113km at Challenge Samarkand is by no means guaranteed for Laidlow, as defending champion Draper is also on the start line. Last year, under hot conditions, the Brit showed he excels on Challenge Samarkand’s flat and fast course and will do everything he can to make things difficult for Laidlow. With fellow Brits Cameron Main (#35) and Jack Hutchens (#81), also lining up, they’ll be looking for an all-British podium. Add Ognjen Stojanović (SRB) (#60), Florian Angert (GER) (#67), and Rostislav Pevtsov (UKR) (#96), plus Henri Schoeman (RSA) (#66), fresh from his win in the Philippines, into the mix, there are four more men who all sit within the top 100 of the PTO world ranking.
In the women’s race, Pérez Sala is the clear top favourite, holding the highest ranking at 16, plus she is also the defending champion. Still, Pérez Sala won’t be handed victory on a silver platter either, as there are even more top 100 athletes in the women’s field than the men’s. Featuring Australian Natalie van Coevorden (#30), also straight from a win in Lapu Lapu, New Zealander Nicole van der Kaay (#42), Daisy Davies (GBR) (#28) who recently podiumed at DATEV Challenge Roth, Marta Lagownik (POL) (#46), Megan McDonald (GBR) (#48), Austrian Anna Pabinger (#57), Australian Milan Agnew (#79), Lilli Gelmini (ITA) (#95), and Brooke Gillies (GBR) (#98), there are no fewer than 11 women inside the top one hundred competing promising some closely-matched, exciting racing.
Challenge Samarkand offers athletes the rare opportunity to race through one of the world’s most historic cities. Set along the ancient Silk Road, the event showcases breathtaking architecture, timeless monuments, and a deep cultural heritage that spans centuries. The course is as striking as its surroundings, combining smooth, fast sections with scenic views that immerse athletes in Samarkand’s rich past as they race through history.
Taking place across 12-13 September 2026, the Challenge Samarkand weekend also features sprint and relay racing, a women’s run and children’s events, creating a celebration of sport for athletes and families of every age and ability.
Triathlon fans around the world can enjoy a free live broadcast of the race with English commentary by Belinda Granger at www.challenge-family.live from 7:00am local time (4:00am CEST) on Sunday 13 September.
For more information, visit www.challenge-samarkand.com.