#challenge bahrain

Boulder, CO–Two of the world’s top triathletes, Rachel Joyce and Tim Don, both representing Great Britain and both represented by Boulder-based Human Interest Group, powered through the 1.9km swim/90km bike/21.1km run Challenge Bahrain course on Saturday, finishing second and fourth respectively.  In so doing, the pair made history in the inaugural event, earning a healthy portion of the race’s unprecedented half million-dollar prize purse. 

Joyce was an unwavering factor in the women’s race from the word go, exiting the swim less than a minute behind leader and countrywoman Jodie Swallow.  She used her practiced endurance engine to power forward on the bike, catching Swallow just after the bike’s halfway mark and helping drive a group of four top female contenders (Joyce, Swallow, Helle Frederiksen and Annabel Luxford) into T2 together.  While Swallow and Frederiksen sped ahead on the run, with Frederiksen ultimately opening enough of a gap to secure the win, Joyce was patient yet powerful, first peeling away from Luxford, then pressing on to pass Swallow and score the silver medal position. 

Elated at the finish, Joyce, who stated that her goal was to push hard yet have fun, described her overall satisfaction with a strong season in which she made many a major podium (including Challenge Roth and the Ironman World Championship), yet missed out on the top spot.  “I went through a spate in June and July when I came second, second, second.  I really wanted to change that in Kona, but I went the wrong way–I came third.  Nothing is like that feeling of being the first person over the line.  It’s nice to be consistent but winning is–it’s not everything, and I love this sport for a whole lot of other reasons than being in the top spot–but winning is special.  Definitely going into 2015 the top spot is the real motivator for me,” she said. 

Also driven by his desire to reach the top at the sport’s greatest races, Don actually contemplated pulling his name from the Challenge Bahrain start list, as the impending birth of his second child seemed likely to occur ahead of schedule.  Ultimately he made the decision to compete, and although his race gear was delayed in transit, arriving just hours before the start, he managed to focus on the task at hand and post an impressive performance.  Don was among the lead pack of men out of the swim and held firm to his position on the bike, reaching T2 and the half marathon start behind only Michael Raelert, Andreas Dreitz and Tim Reed from among the world-class field.  Known for his foot speed, Don made swift work of the run course, covering the distance in 1:12:27 and securing fourth place. 

“I just wanted to have a good race.  I knew it was going to be tough.  With the open roads–with three lanes of a highway and a 20-meter draft zone–it was a real honest race.  Hopefully I held my own and proved I’m not an ITU guy who sits there,” said Don at the finish.  “I raced hard.  I raced to win.  I got into a rhythm on the bike but I couldn’t go with the lead guys.  At the first U-turn at about 60k I realized they were quite a long ways and it was going to be a tough ask.  But you can never give up.  I raced as hard as I could and I’m super happy.” 

Next up, Joyce and Don will both enjoy a well-deserved off-season.  Don and wife Kelly look forward to welcoming the newest addition to their family, a baby brother for four-year-old daughter Matilda. 

About Human Interest Group

The Challenge Bahrain press conference previewed some of triathlon royalty today at the Crown Plaza.

The line up included a collection of long and short course champions who shared their thoughts on their form, the Challenge Bahrain experience and tips who they think might take the titles. 

Sebastian Kienle Was it hard to stay motivated this late in the season

“Was hard to stay motivated after Kona, it’s always a whirlwind of activity with such a win including a lot of travel – I’m going to try my best but I’m not sure my best will be enough for this one.”

Tips: Tim Don and Michael Raelert

“Tim Don is a threat, he is not over raced, and Michael is very hungry - for me those are my two favourites, besides myself.” 

Michael Raelert  On returning to racing after a difficult year

“I'm proud to be here and really happy after injury and along periods of not doing triathlon, I figured out what is important to me. I am so excited to race against these guys and deeply happy to be racing again. It means a lot to me personally and happy to be back at Challenge Family.” 

Dirk Bockel “The best ever field that ever competed in triathlon and I can really say that after competing for 25 years.

“I’m not going to pick any names – everyone who takes it seriously will be a danger and I'm really happy to be hear, I just want to say thanks to Challenge, what you do for us is amazing and isn’t seen anywhere else in the world.” 

Mirinda Carfrae “Kona wasn’t the end of the road for me – I’ve had more fun ever preparing for this race. Kona is not the last race of the year for me. I am really fired up. I’ve given it my best to be a major factor. I think we’ll see on Saturday but I’m not in bad shape.”

Tips: Helle Frederikson and Annabel Luxford

“Helle has focused on this race, Bella (Annabel) has come off a couple of wins in Australia. The ITU girls will suit this fast course but for me, top 10 would be amazing.”  

Jodie Stimpson “I’m not known for my pacing in Olympic distance so this is going to be a challenge. After the Commonwealths I was quite drained but it’s been nice to do my first half distance – it’s definitely going to be a challenge at the weekend – these girls aren’t going to take it easy on me.

“It’s great to be here to share the hotel with the idols I’ve looked up to. I’ve watched these girls race and I have nothing but respect for them and it’s great to share the start line with them.” 

Rachel Joyce “It’s going to be a super fast day and that’s kept me motivated over the past two weeks. I’ve had fun with time trials  - I'm mentally fresh and I’m excited about the weekend as we’re seeing long course athletes mixing it up with ITU athletes and half athletes so I’m looking forward to throwing my hat in and seeing what happens – it’s going to be a boom or bust tactic I think! 

Caroline Steffen “The list is way too long to pick anyone. Even if Rinny says she is not in good shape, I'm sorry, but she is! It’s going to be a good mix up and a few surprises too.

“Very proud to have this race as part of the Challenge Family – if I look at the line up the athletes, it’s just amazing. We will see a great race on this course with perhaps a chance to create some new record.

“Plus the after party is amazing with Dire Straits, Akon.

“Absolutely phenomenal the hospitably we have experienced here from the athletes side, The organisation made a promise they would put up the best race ever, that's always something very big, so far from the athletes side it’s very good.” 

3 NOVEMBER 2014 - Entries to the ground-breaking Challenge Bahrain closed early at the weekend with a sell-out field. Athletes from 51 countries, including many of the sport’s biggest names will make triathlon history on 6 December 2014 at the event that has set new standards in professional triathlon with its record-breaking prize purse.

The field brings together world champions, Olympic champions and along with some of the greatest names in triathlon such as Mirinda Carfrae (AUS), Sebastian Kienle (GER), Rachel Joyce (GBR), Caroline Steffen (SUI), Pete Jacobs (AUS) and Jan Frodeno (GER) and as part of the 80-strong pro field. Joining them are over 1,000 age group athletes, many of them local Bahrainis competing for the first time over the half distance.

Dr Saqer Al Kahlifa, president of the Bahrain Triathlon Association said he was very excited about the event that is now just one month away, “We believed from day one that if we lined up all the essential factors under the supervision of the Challenge Family, we will get in return what we have been wishing for. It was initially very challenging to focus on the details of creating a world-class event, but the human resources selected to run this event are simply creating one fantastic triathlon portrait. While this event aims to also bring the world’s best to our Kingdom, we are proud to say that the local participation in Challenge Bahrain has made us proud and surpassed our expectations. I cannot hide my excitement!”

The much-anticipated action from Challenge Bahrain will be shown around the world over the Internet in a live broadcast commentated by multiple world champion Chris McCormack and Oliver Wilson and directed by the multiple Emmy Award-winning Peter Henning.

As well as breaking records with its $500k prize purse, Challenge Bahrain will also be the largest single-race participation event in the Middle East, firmly putting Bahrain on the international triathlon map. Challenge Family CEO, Zibi Szlufcik said he was proud to partner with Bahrain to bring world-class triathlon to the Middle East.

“Challenge Bahrain is the largest single distance race in the region and it firmly puts Bahrain on the triathlon map. We know athletes are going to be blown away by the warm Bahrain welcome, along with the high calibre of this event. We are also extremely happy to see so many locals taking part, many for the first time – the future of triathlon is looking good!”

Challenge Bahrain will take place on Saturday 6 December with the start gun set to go off at 7.30am. Live coverage will broadcast on www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh.

ABOUT CHALLENGE FAMILY

Men – Pete Jacobs (AUS), Dirk Bockel (LUX), Sebastian Kienle (GER),  Tim Berkel (AUS), Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), Timo Bracht (GER), Tyler Butterfield (BER), Frederik Croneborg (SWE), James Cunnama (RSA), Bevan Docherty (NZL), Tim Don (GBR), Andreas Dreitz (GER), Jan Frodeno (GER), Nils Frommhold (GER), Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS), Eneko Llanos (ESP), Chris McCormack (AUS), Luke McKenzie (AUS), Dylan McNeice (NZL), Tim O’Donnell (USA), Rasmus Petreaus (DEN), Michael Raelert (GER)

Women – Mirinda Carfrae (AUS), Rachel Joyce (GBR), Caroline Steffen (SUI), Nikki Butterfield (AUS), Leanda Cave (GBR), Erin Densham (AUS), Mary Beth Ellis (USA), Helle Frederikson (DEN), Lucy Gossage (GBR), Sarah Haskins (USA), Heather Jackson (USA), Rebekah Keat (AUS), Meredith Kessler (USA), Carrie Lester (AUS), Annabel Luxford (AUS), Jodie Stimpson (GBR), Michelle Vesterby (DEN), Radka Vodickova (CZE), Laurel Wassner (USA)

29 AUGUST 2014 - Challenge Family has revealed details on what age group athletes can expect at the game-changing Challenge Bahrain on 6 December. The focus is firmly on a quality race experience combined with Bahrain hospitality that will set a new standard in triathlon.

The race experience will start before international athletes have even landed. A benefit of their race entry is that all athletes and their families will be granted a pre-approved free entry visa to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Once at the airport, the Challenge Bahrain concierge service will provide athletes with all the arrival information they need to find their way about.

A selection of partner hotels for all budgets has been confirmed (full details http://www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh/travel/accomodation/). All feature preferential rates for Challenge Bahrain athletes and their supporters and ease of transfer from the hotels and between the various race venues that include some of Bahrain’s iconic landmarks.

On registration at the Bahrain Formula One race track, athletes will receive their deluxe race pack, contained within a feature-packed, triathlon-specific backpack that will meet the needs of the most discerning triathlete. In keeping with the Challenge Bahrain theme of quality, the contents will feature triathlon-focused gear combined with traditional Bahrain gifts.

“Our key focus is the attention to detail and exceeding expectations to set a new level in triathlon,” said Challenge Family CEO, Zibi Szlufcik. “The value of the deluxe race pack will be close to the registration fee and then on top of that, athletes will compete on one of the fastest, most diverse and unique courses in the world, surrounded by many of the world’s greatest professional triathletes.”  

This attention to detail will extend to post race with the finisher gifts and medal. 

“We don’t want to give too much away at this stage but suffice to say, the finish line experience will include plenty of surprises while the medal will tell a story of the athletes’ 113km journey through the ancient kingdom of Bahrain,” continued Szlufcik.

“This race doesn’t cater for one group over another,” said Dr Saqer Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Triathlon Association. “Whether they are professionals, international age groupers, or local and regional, each group will find out we have placed tremendous effort to make their experience one of the best that they’ve ever had in a triathlon. I don’t want to call this special, I want to just say that we are simply bringing the future of triathlon closer to today.”

The Challenge Bahrain course will take athletes on a journey through Bahrain’s history and features the world’s largest prize purse over the half distance. The course is the most diverse in triathlon, ranging from the world’s most modern architecture to historic mosques and archaeological sites; from the high-speed Formula One racetrack to running with native animals and birds through the Al Areen Wildlife Park.

The inaugural Challenge Bahrain takes place on 6 December 2014 with entries open now at www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh.

ABOUT CHALLENGE FAMILY