Both of this year’s Kona winners will be racing Challenge Bahrain in just over a month’s time, with the organisers confirming that Sebastian Kienle (GER) and Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) will be on the starting line.
The 80-strong pro field for next month's sold-out inaugural race includes other long-distance veterans such as Rachel Joyce (GBR) – who claimed another silver in Hawaii last month – Caroline Steffen (SUI) and Pete Jacobs (AUS).
There will also be a number of top ITU athletes in the pro races such as Britain’s Jodie Stimpson, Nicky Samuels (NZL) and Erin Densham (AUS). Joining them on the start line will be more than 1,000 age-groupers.
The race gets underway at 7.30am local time (4.30am UK time) on Saturday 6 December, and there will be a live video stream on the event website with two-time Kona champ Chris McCormack taking up commentating duties.
(Main image: Paul Phillips)
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