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Iden joins Challenge Championship field

Photo by: PTO/ James Mitchell

Some big news for this weekend’s Challenge Championship in Samorin, Slovakia – Ironman 70.3 world champion Gustav Iden will be on the start line. Iden was forced to pull out of the recent Ironman World Championship St. George because of a chest infection.

The Norwegian joins a strong field that includes Frederic Funk (DEU), Kyle Smith (NZL), Miki Taagholt (DEN) and Pieter Heemeryck (BEL), amongst others. Iden is familiar with the race venue, having competed in last year’s Collins Cup:

“I’m very excited to be back racing here at the amazing venue at the x-bionic sphere!” he said. “After some sickness in the last few weeks, I am very grateful Challenge Family was able to give me this opportunity on such short notice. I don’t expect to be on my all-time high, but still really looking forward to being on the start line for my season opener.”

For the women, defending champion Lucy Buckingham will take on a strong field that includes Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR), Amelia Watkinson (NZL), Fenella Langridge (GBR), Daniela Bleymehl (DEU), Sara Perez Sala (ESP) and Ashleigh Gentle (AUS).

There are over 1,100 athletes from 42 countries expected to compete this weekend. The race will be streamed live at www.challenge-family.live. Coverage starts at 8:45 am local time (2:45 am EST) with the male pro start at 9:00 am and female pro start at 9:10 am. For further information, visit www.thechampionship.de.