As the countdown to The Championship 2025 on 18 May continues, Challenge Family has announced a series of exciting new additions to the world-class start list for its flagship event.
Fresh off his second-place finish at Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria, Olympic medallist Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) has confirmed his participation. He is joined by his long-time training partner, Richard Varga (SVK), who is making his final appearance as a professional athlete.
“I am really looking forward to race The Championship in Samorin in a few weeks,” said Brownlee. “After a good performance in Challenge Gran Canaria I have finally put together a half distance performance that I am proud of on my third attempt. But I believe that I can do better and The Championship is a good chance to test myself against the best in the world
“However my main reason for racing is to race one last professional race with my good friend and long-time training partner, Richard Varga. Richard has been a massively important person in my career. He is someone who always puts a smile on your face. I have been fortunate to prepare for two Olympic Games and be on two Olympic start lines with Richard. The friendship and memories we created over our triathlon journey will last a lifetime and I can’t wait to race with him in one more professional race!”
Adding further depth to an already competitive men’s field are Germany’s Justus Nieschlag and Wilhelm Hirsch. Nieschlag enjoyed a standout 2024 season with several podium finishes, including third place at Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee. Hirsch also brings strong podium credentials across both middle and long-distance events.
These athletes will join a stellar men’s line-up that already includes Frederic Funk (GER), Tom Bishop (GBR), Kieran Lindars (GBR), and rising star Panagiotis Bitados (GRE), promising an exciting battle for The Championship title.
On the women’s side, the race promises equally thrilling competition. Former Champion Sara Pérez Sala (ESP) and recent Challenge Taiwan winner Alanis Siffert (SUI) are now joined by Anna Bergsten (SWE), who will be looking to improve on her third-place finish in 2024 and Denmark’s Katrine Græsbøll Christensen is also confirmed.
With over 90 of the world’s top professional triathletes qualified and ready to race, The Championship 2025 is set to deliver one of the most exciting weekends in triathlon.
Watch Live:
All the action from The Championship 2025 will be streamed live and free, without geoblocking, at www.challenge-family.live. Coverage begins with expert commentary from Belinda Granger at 8:15am CEST on 18 May, with the race start at 8:30am CEST.
For further information and updates, visit www.thechampionship.de.
