Challenge Taiwan makes it debut in May

On 4 May, the inaugural Challenge Taiwan introduces the Challenge Family race experience to Taiwan. Challenge Taiwan will set a new milestone in Taiwan triathlon history as the first full Iron-distance race in the country and also marks Challenge Family’s first race in Asia as it continues its expansion of athlete-focused events around the globe.

Heading the field is an international field of pro athletes including Belinda Granger (AUS), Kate Bevilaqua (AUS) and Hillary Biscay (USA). In the men’s field there’s a Kiwi showdown between Challenge Wanaka champions Dylan McNeice (2013) and Jamie Whyte (2011), along with fellow New Zealander, Guy Crawford. Giving them a run for their money is prolific racer, Petr Vabrousek (CZE) as well as Georg Potrebitsch (GER), Eneko Elosegui (ESP), Todd Skipworth (AUS) and Fredrik Croneborg (SWE). They are joined by local athletes defending the Taiwan honour in their first full distance race as pro athletes, YangMao Yung and Jenny Li.

With its full integration into the local community and finish line in the heart of Taitung, Challenge Taiwan has received strong support from Taiwanese athletes who join over 800 age group athletes in the landmark event.

Taitung is famous for its hot springs and surfing as well as spectacular coastline and mountains and its scenic beauty has earned it the name of ‘garden of Taiwan’. The Challenge Taiwan course reflects the many reasons why Taitung is fast becoming the Taiwanese centre for triathlon and cycling.

The two-lap swim takes place in the flowing Lake in Taitung Forest Park followed by an undulating two-lap bike course which heads north between the soaring Carp Mountains and spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline, passing through traditional Taiwan villages along the way.

The run combines the cultural heart of Taitung city with the surrounding tranquil rice fields and orchards and vibrant ocean promenade.

Live coverage of the inaugural Challenge Taiwan is available through www.challenge-taiwan.com.

Matt Baird Editor of Cycling Plus magazine

About

Matt is a regular contributor to 220 Triathlon, having joined the magazine in 2008. He’s raced everything from super-sprint to Ironman, duathlons and off-road triathlons, and can regularly be seen on the roads and trails around Bristol. Matt is the author of Triathlon! from Aurum Press and is now the editor of Cycling Plus magazine.