Long distance triathlon returns to Asia with Challenge Taiwan

On 4 May, international long distance triathlon will return to Asia with the inaugural Challenge Taiwan, introducing the Challenge Family race experience to Asia.

Challenge Taiwan promises to set a new milestone in Taiwan triathlon history as the first full 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.

For New Zealand’s Jamie Whyte March and April have been great training months. “We have just had a perfect summer for triathlon training in Auckland – hot and dry. The knee injury from 2012 is now a thing of the past and have had a solid build up for this race.”

After a few days in Taipei Whyte and most of the pros traveled to the south of Taiwan to the small town of Taitung for the race.   “We have checked out the course over the last few days and it looks like it will be very fast. Apart from the non-wetsuit swim format due to high water temperatures it should be fast otherwise, flat bike and flat run. However the heat may also play a role with temperatures expected in the high twenties with high humidity.”

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.