Challenge Bahrain Announces Superstar Pro Lineup

Challenge Bahrain has announced its pro field to date and confirmed the start list for the race which will take place on December 6, 2014. The line up is one of the most impressive ever seen over the half distance.

Hundreds of age group athletes will race along side the biggest names in triathlon on one of the fastest and most diverse course on the international circuit. The race will feature the world’s largest prize purse over the half distance of $500,000 which has attracted the top long distance athletes as well as prompted a number of short course stars to make their long distance debut.

Nine former and current world champions including – Pete Jacobs (AUS), Mirinda Carfrae (AUS), Chris McCormack (AUS), Leanda Cave (GBR), Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), Eneko Llanos (ESP), Julie Dibens (GBR), Catriona Morrisson (GBR), four Olympic medallists including Jan Frodeno (GER), Bevan Docherty (NZL), Lisa Norden (SWE) and two Commonwealth Games gold medallists including Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) will battle it out beginning on the shores of Bahrain Bay.

The World-class short course athletes making their long course debut include this year’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jodie Stimpson (GBR), current Xterra World Champion Nicky Samuels (NZL) and Olympic bronze medallist Erin Densham (AUS).

“We are honored to host each and every professional triathlete to the Kingdom of Bahrain to participate in Challenge Bahrain, an event we are holding very dear in our hearts,” said Dr Saqer Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Triathlon Association. “Having such a great lineup will most certainly bring us closer to our goals, to raise awareness of the importance and significance of having sports become an integral part of a person’s life in all global societies.”

“A field of this calibre is going to ensure Challenge Bahrain is one of the most memorable races of the year – and it’s open to everyone!” said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO. “Age groupers will race along side the greatest and most inspirational athletes in our sport. Triathlon is the only sport on the planet where everyday people like you and me, regardless of ability, can share the course with the world’s best and Challenge Bahrain is the ultimate showcase of what makes this sport great along with its definition of quality leadership and warm welcome to all.”

The professional athletes confirmed to date for Challenge Bahrain are as follows:

Men
Pete Jacobs (AUS), Dirk Bockel (LUX), Sebastian Kienle (GER), Tim Berkel (AUS), Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), Timo Bracht (GER), Tyler Butterfield (USA), Frederik Croneborg (SWE), James Cunnama (RSA), Bevan Docherty (NZL), Tim Don (USA), Michael Dreitz (GER), Jan Frodeno (GER), Nils Frommhold (GER), Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS), Eneko Llanos (ESP), Chris McCormack (AUS), Luke McKenzie (AUS), Dylan McNeice (NZL), Tim O’Donnell (USA), Rasmus Petreaus (DEN), Michael Raelert (GER).

Women
Mirinda Carfrae (AUS), Rachel Joyce (GBR), Caroline Steffen (SUI), Nikki Butterfield (USA), Leanda Cave (GBR), Erin Densham (AUS), Mary Beth Ellis (USA), Helle Frederikson (DEN), Lucy Gossage (GBR), Sarah Haskins (USA), Heather Jackson (USA), Rebekah Keat (AUS), Meredith Kessler (USA), Carrie Lester (AUS), Annabel Luxford (AUS), Michelle Vesterby (DEN), Radka Vodickova (CZE), Laurel Wassner (USA).

For further information on Challenge Bahrain, visit Challenge-Bahrain.com.bh.