Countdown to first edition of Challenge Vitoria

Vitoria will host one of the major events of the Spanish long distance calendar: CHALLENGE VITORIA. A spectacular, nature-immersed circuit with an amazing finish in one of the most striking locations of the Alava capital: Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Plaza de España, will be the what sets this inaugural event apart.

Triathletes will complete a circuit comprising a 3.8-km swim on the Ullibarri-Gamboa lake, in the heart of Landa Provincial Park, a 180-km bike segment that will run throughout the Alava region landscapes, skirting the spectacular lake and crossing small Camino villages and, for the grand finale, a 42-km run through Vitoria-Gasteiz’s historical centre, where they will be able to enjoy beautiful pedestrian promenades while being cheered by enthusiastic locals until they reach the Plaza de España, one of the city’s magical spots.

Challenge Vitoria stands out as “more than just a competition” event as a unique experience which offers all participants the opportunity to rise to their challenges, always supported by a professional organisation, fully geared towards the competing triathlete.

As Raúl Amatriain, 2011 Spain LD Champion, declared to the press: “Competing in Euskadi is something special, the atmosphere we experienced last year in Vitoria during the World Championship was something difficult to match, a whole city committed to the Triathlon. I have very good memories of 2012 and haven’t had a doubt about repeating the experience this year: the inner fight was something that truly got me hooked on this distance.”

Current LD Spain Champion Gurutze Frades is another influential triathlete who will participate to this international event: she also got “hooked on” Challenge in 2012. “The first high-level competition in which I took place was Challenge Half Barcelona. That is where I got my spot for the 2012 LD World Championship and I have very good memories, as much of the result as of the organisation. It truly shows experience in the way it cares about details, supervision and circuit design, as well as attention to the athletes. I participated to the 2011 and 2012 editions, and I train here with my partner and my coach, so I know it really well. Competing in Vitoria is special to me.”

True to the inclusive spirit of triathlon, Challenge Vitoria will also include a Paratriathlon discipine, which has recently been recognized and will be present at the 2016 Paralympic Games. Diego Velázquez, one of the sport’s most beloved and admired athletes.

Diego is a clear example of self-motivation; he perfectly illustrates the Challenge values. After competing in various Ironman since he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over fifteen years ago, he became LD TRI3 World Champion in 2012. In 2013, Diego chooses Vitoria-Gasteiz once again. He is a truly admirable athlete who fights an epic battle and demonstrates that, for him, there are no obstacles. “If you want to, you can do it! And if you like triathlon, Challenge Vitoria is a competition you shouldn’t miss, not only for its spectacular landscapes, but also for the atmosphere you experience in the Alava capital.”

Athletes of over 20 nationalities will compete in the Elite as well as the Age Groups, attracted to a first edition that will be an unforgettable week-end for all involved.