On 21 September, Challenge Sanremo returns with its middle-distance race. Now set in its brand-new home in Portosole, a field of over 50 professional athletes will tackle the course making this year’s edition is set to be a major highlight on the Challenge Family calendar.
The women’s field includes Aurelia Boulanger (FRA), returning to Challenge Family racing after her win at Challenge Sir Bani Yas and several other victories last year. Defending champion Magda Nieuwoudt (RSA), who won three Challenge Family races in 2023, will also be on the start line. Gabriella Zelinka (HUN), winner of Challenge Cesenatico earlier this season, is set to return following her DNF at The Championship, while local favourite Luisa Iogna Prat (ITA) brings strong recent middle-distance results and short-course racing experience. Completing the field is Sarah Schönfelder (GER), who took podium finishes at Challenge Walchsee and St. Pölten last year and is now back after injury.
The men’s race sees Leonard Arnold (GER) compete following his recent long-distance win in Switzerland, alongside Jannik Stoll (GER), who stood on the podium at Challenge Sanremo last year with an emotional third-place finish. Michele Sarzilla (ITA) returns after a DNF in 2024, aiming to make his mark on home soil, while Bogdan Kovalenko (KAZ), eighth at Challenge Samarkand earlier this year, will also line up.
This year’s participation is more global than ever, with competitors from five continents representing 35 nations, including the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Qatar, Chile, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday with Youth Races and this year’s new Swim & Run event, giving younger and emerging athletes a chance to shine. Sunday will feature the main events: the Middle Distance and the Sprint Triathlon, starting at 8:00 am for the men and 8:02 am for the women. Athletes will dive into the sea, tackle the iconic coastal bike course, and finish along the Riviera run, surrounded by the Italian atmosphere.
Additionally, prior to the race weekend, athletes can enjoy a ride along “On the Roads of the Milan-Sanremo: Discovering Cipressa and Poggio” with former professional cyclist Niccolò Bonifazio on Friday afternoon.
Live updates and timing will be available at www.challenge-family.live.
For more details, visit www.challenge-sanremo.com.
