The global Challenge Family series of long distance triathlons increased its global presence with the announcement of the new Challenge Cairns Great Barrier Reef event in Australia. The event is set to make an impact on the global triathlon circuit with one of the most remarkable courses and a significant prize purse.
Set in one of the world's most iconic tropical locations, Challenge Cairns Great Barrier Reef will take place on June 5, 2011. It will feature a course memorable for the 3.8km swim in the warm crystal clear waters off Yorkeys Knob, the 180km bike leg that travels up arguably the most scenic coastal roads in Australia towards Port Douglas and a 42.2km run that includes the Cairns boardwalk before finishing in the heart of the city of Cairns.
Triathlon: Challenge Cairns Great Barrier Reef
When: Sunday, June 5, 2011
Where: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Distances: Iron / Full, Half
Divisions: Professional, Age Group, Relay
Website: www.challenge-cairns.com
"This is a hugely exciting development for the Challenge Family and we're delighted to bring a new style and quality of racing to athletes, both age group and pro, in Australia," said Felix Walchshöfer, Challenge Family CEO. "So many Australians have already enjoyed the Challenge experience around the world, including many of the sport's biggest names and now they can do so on their home turf. We have been working for almost two years towards launching Challenge in Australia and as they say, all the best things are worth waiting for. We have secured the most amazing course that includes what must be the greatest bike leg in the world."
The event will also feature the Cairns Half triathlon on the same great course as the Challenge Cairns! The Cairns Half will take place concurrently with the full Challenge Cairns, also starting in the blue waters off Yorkeys Knob with a one-lap 1.9km swim course, one lap 90km bike ride and 21.1km run encompassing the best sights of the city of Cairns. The Cairns Half will be open to both teams and individuals. The event will also feature a Challenge Cairns Junior event.
The new full iron distance triathlon event joins Challenge Roth, Challenge Barcelona, Challenge Copenhagen, and Challenge Wanaka in the Challenge Family of global long distance triathlon events.
Challenge Cairns Great Barrier Reef promises to attract some of the biggest names in long distance triathlon with its 100,000 Euro prize purse, the second richest in iron distance racing. The Challenge Family will work with renowned event organizers, USM Events, and managing director, Geoff Meyer, said the prize purse reflected the Challenge Family commitment to athletes.
"We delighted to offer such a significant prize purse to the athletes that also extends to the relay teams sector of the event," he said. "This, together with the outstanding location and commitment of our key stakeholders, will result in one of the world's iconic races that will not only benefit the Cairns community but position Queensland as a major player in the global triathlon market. Working with Challenge is a wonderful opportunity and we look forward to bringing the Challenge experience to Australia."
Entries will open in November 2010. For additional information on the new Challenge Cairns Great Barrier Reef triathlon event visit: www.challenge-cairns.com or to see other races in the Challenge Family visit: www.challenge-family.com.
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