Some of the world’s top professional triathletes are gearing up for The Championship, kicking off this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. in Šamorín, Slovakia. At the recent pro press conference, the athletes shared their thoughts ahead of Sunday’s race. It was clear that no one plans to take it easy, with all competitors focused on giving their best from start to finish.
“It feels like a family reunion – seeing all the finisher shirts and backpacks from our races around the world, worn with pride by the qualifying athletes for The Championship.” Jort Vlam – Challenge Family CEO
Frederic Funk (GER)
“I planned to win the last six times I was here! Let’s see how I feel on Sunday but I will definitely tackle the race to finally get the top spot. I trained 2.5 months in Noosa in heat and humidity then sent to altitude for three weeks and came down yesterday. I am hoping that training in tough conditions for last few months will help my fitness.”
Elisabetta Curridori (ITA)
“It was so special I went through some very tough time last 3 years doubting myself and wondering if I could still call myself a pro. It was very special to win Challenge Salou on the 10th anniversary. At the moment I’m feeling a little bit tired. But I know I will start feeling better tomorrow and even better by Sunday.”
Justus Nieschlag (GER)
“Maybe middle distance suits me better than short course. I’ve been injury free for a year, I feel like I’m still improving on the run and hopefully there will be a race where everything comes together and hopefully it’s on Sunday.”
Hanne de Vet (BEL)
“I’ll see how I feel on Sunday – I’m just grateful to be here, healthy and fit and excited to race. I’ll give it a big hit on Sunday and see where it brings me on the finish line. I’ve made a lot of silly mistakes last year in races, so I hope I’m getting smarter. I’m excited to see how it all comes together on Sunday.”
Tom Bishop (GBR)
“I’ve studied the start list and it’s going to be a chase from start to finish. I know Fred’s going to make it hard on the bike and we’ve got some of the best swimmers in tri history here as well. The run is really great course for crowd support, but it’s tough as well. It’s interesting as it’s a really tough course but it’s really fast.”
Anna Bergsten (SWE)
“I’m going on a run recce tonight and maybe tomorrow twice so I don’t go the wrong way this year! I like to do the Pacman strategy and eat as many up on the way to the front. It’s a challenging course and I quite like to have a few curve balls. We will be a bit challenged with a cold swim, but otherwise it’s a pretty easy swim for a weak swimmer. I like fast bike courses so hoping it will be that although challenging with the wind. The run changes a lot with lots of variety with grass, sand and asphalt.”
Richard Varga (SVK)
Last year I felt like that’s it for me for racing, my body wasn’t having it anymore. I wanted to do my last race in Thailand but it wasn’t feeling right. It didn’t feel right to finish somewhere that is not home. This is the biggest race in Slovakia and what better way to finish with athletes like these, it’s a shame Johnny (Brownlee) isn’t here, we carry so many stories and experiences together. But to say goodbye with the people I’ve raced with for years is the best way to finish and it’s amazing to do it here at The Championship.”
Sara Perez Sala (ESP)
“To be here for the fourth time with the best athletes is amazing for me, it’s like a dream. It’s a very fast race and the dynamics and power in the legs is very important. I feel very confident in flat races but the other girls are young and very strong and I think they can catch me and I hope to be able to ride together with them.”
Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN)
“Sticking with Fred, I think it’s something I have to try and do – sometimes I can’t hold myself back, it may not tactically be the best, but it’s the most fun. Getting third last year made me believe in myself so I have very good memories of this race, There’s great energy here, I feel like the body is there and also the head.”
Alanis Siffert (SUI)
“After all the Challenge races I’ve done, I had to come here as I’ve heard so many good things. I’m really looking forward to it because the atmosphere will be amazing. I really like discovering new places, I’m so young and to have the privilege to go around the world and race, I have to make the most of it and I really like to dive into the culture and make the most of it.”
Milan Agnew (AUS)
Being Europe in the last six weeks has been good for me. Coming from the hottest summer in Australia, I’m glad I’ve had time to acclimatize to this weather, I’m looking forward to the weekend, I’ve had some good training and I’m exciting to see where I’m at.”
Henri Schoeman (RSA)
“It’s amazing to be here for the first time. First impressions are it’s bit cold compared to Durban but it’s amazing facilities here, and being around all the athletes, great roads to run and cycle on. I’ve watched this race so it’s great to be racing here this weekend. The one thing that I love is a challenge – Roth will be my first full distance and I’m super excited to see what I can learn from it. They’re going to make it hard and make it fast, and what better way to learn in the sport than racing with the best. I’m using this race to get my fitness a little bit higher for putting my head down for my final weeks of training.”
