Spain's leading triathlon, Challenge Barcelona returns to the shores of the Maresme region this Sunday, 2 October, when over 1,100 triathletes from 19 nations take on the 226km course along the Mediterranean coastline.
The men's race sees a duel between 2009 winner and local hero, Marcel Zamora (SPA) and 2010 winner, Jimmy Johnsen (DEN) but both will have to work hard for the victory with inaugural Challenge Vichy champion, Stephen Bayliss (GBR) and Alpe d'Huez Triathlon winner, Victor del Corral (SPA) both with their eye on the top prize.
In the women's field, winner of the notoriously tough Embrunman, Erika Csomor (HUN) will go head to head with Isabelle Ferrer (FRA) and Lucy Gossage (GBR).
This year Challenge Barcelona has enjoyed a massive 39% growth over 2010. It was awarded the title of "Best Spanish Triathlon" earlier this year by the Spanish Triathlon Federation.
The Maresme area is ideal for family holidays as well as to compete, since ideal temperatures prevail throughout the year, thanks to the Mediterranean climate.
The start and finish is located in the tourist capital city of la Costa del Maresme, Calella. This town has a three kilometre beach and countless beautiful places to visit. The Maresme region is close to two international airports, Barcelona and Girona.
The swim is in the crystal clear waters of the sea while the predominantly flat three lap cycle heads along the coastal road towards Barcelona as far as El Masnou with total road closure.
The flat four lap run heads along the beach front and loops back through the seaside towns of Pineda de Mar and Santa Susanna before finishing on the beach in the heart of Calella.
The top Male and Female professional triathletes will vie for the total of 50,000 € in prizes.
The start gun will go off on Calella Beach at 8.30am CET with live updates available at www.challenge-barcelona.es.
Challenge Barcelona is part of the Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons featuring 13 races over three continents. For more information, visit www.challenge-family.com.
