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If you are looking for an early season race that can double up as a holiday, then this Challenge middle distance course is surely the perfect contender.
The lively seaside town of Salou lies in north eastern Spain, 100km south of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada – otherwise known as the Golden Coast, thanks to the colour of its stunning Blue Flag beaches.
Combined with a string of family-friendly attractions and activities, Salou is a hugely popular holiday destination in Catalonia, a region which has its own identity and language. This dialect along with the cuisine and culture certainly add a unique flavour to racing in this part of the Mediterranean.
And the Challenge Salou race directors have made the most of the sun, sea and sand location of this popular middle distance triathlon, with the Mediterranean sea swim backed up by an award-winning, palm tree-lined bike course and a lively run route through Salou. What better way to get triathlon race season off to a start?
Location - Europe’s beach
Nestled by the Mediterranean coast, Salou was founded as far back as the 6th century BC but is now a compact holiday resort town with a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of accommodation options and delicious local Catalan cuisine.
Its proximity to the city of Barcelona 100km along the coast with daily scheduled flights from most European cities makes it easy to reach.
To get to Salou from Barcelona airport you can either take the hourly bus to Salou or by train, it’s a 20 minute journey to Barcelona Sants then 1 ½ hours to Salou-Port Aventura station and a short cab ride into Salou. Driving takes about an hour.
As a Challenge event, you can expect a well organised race set up.
The race village is on the pedestrianised, palm-tree lined promenade in front of Llevant Beach, the most central Salou beach, and has everything from the expo/registration and transition area to the start and finish lines all within a 200m radius.
The early May temperatures make for a nice warm weather getaway, without being so hot that you’ll need to do an extensive heat prep. Ideal for racing – and for some laid back beach time. Because Salou is also the perfect location for a post-race break with dozens of golden sandy beaches to relax on plus rollercoasters and theme parks to keep the adrenaline pumping.
As a busy holiday resort, Salou is packed with restaurants and cafes to suit every taste. And you are spoilt for choice when it comes to reasonably-priced places to stay from large hotels to self-catering apartments or campsites – Camping and Resort Sangul Salou is very handy.
Course - Looped & flat
The course suits most abilities or those looking to step up from Olympic level. The sea swim takes place in shallow waters, helping to minimise and chop or swell which should give first timers confidence. And the bike and run courses are both flat, making this race ideal both for beginners, and for experienced age-groupers looking for a fast time.
Swim - 1.9KM
The two-lap swim course takes place in the shallow waters of the sea off Llevant Beach. Given the usual warm temperatures, wetsuits are optional but the race director gives the final decision on race morning. With a rolling start from the golden sandy beach, novices will probably benefit from practising running into waves and then getting back out onto the beach. And if you have time before the starting pistol, stop and admire the far-distant views of the Ebro Delta national park and Mussara mountain range.
BIke - 85KM
If you’re chasing a PB, then you’ll like this course. It’s fast and flat with a just couple of short hills - you’ll barely be out of the saddle, with just over 400m of climbing over 3 laps. So it’s one for aero-bars or a time trial bike. The course is closed to traffic and takes you to the outskirts of Salou on a dual carriageway so if you’re a Speedy Gonzalez, you can really put your foot on the gas before heading back into Salou centre. It was also voted winner of the Best Bike Course award in the Challenge Family Race Awards 2024 - so this is a bike course that comes with athlete seal of approval!
Run - 21KM
The four lap run course offers up a fast, flat finish to your race day. Here you’ll discover the charm of the Costa Dorada, and experience plenty of cheering from spectators along the route. At the red carpet beachfront finish, which is always lively thanks to the noisy crowds, you’ll receive your well-deserved medal. Your friends and family can join you for the final 100m – always a great photo opportunity- then it’s time to refuel with a big plate of Catalan paella at the finisher’s party.
Race training & prep
Challenge Salou might be fast and flat, but as a middle distance triathlon – it’s still plenty challenging. If possible, try to do some practice swims in the sea to get used to dealing with different conditions. The water is shallow off Llevant Beach, but it’s better to be prepared in case conditions are a little choppy on race day.
Time in the aero position on the bike during training will be key for this race. “The bike is fast and flat for the majority but it does have a couple of short fast hills, where ideally you’ll still be in the aero position”, explains PRO Triathlete Tom Davis who finished 3rd in 2024. “Practice being able to push hard for 2-3 minutes in the aero position to ride over the top of the hill, and still be able to get back up to speed straight after.”
Incorporate some running off the bike into your training so you can make the most of the run course. Local athlete Òscar Montserrat highlights why you’ll want to be able to enjoy it as much as possible: “For me, the run course is its strong point: flat, parallel to the Mediterranean Sea at all times and with the support of family, friends & the general public.”
Spectators - family & holiday-maker friendly
For friends and family, the race organisers have designed a race that makes watching the action pretty easy and stress-free providing multiple opportunities to spot their athlete with minimal walking involved.
The race village is just metres from Salou’s main beach, Llevant where the swim course takes place so, while you swim, your fans can just sit or stand on the golden sands, enjoying the stunning views. And being so close to the race village, they can lap up the lively atmosphere as well access the food and drink stalls.
On the bike course, they can stand anywhere as the route is mostly contained with Salou town although not straying far from the centre or race village will be better for the crowd atmosphere as well as the chance to nip into the cafes, restaurants and shops to keep themselves fuelled up for all that cheering.
They are then in the perfect position to spot you on the looped run along the beachfront and give you a hero’s welcome at the finish line.
If you have younger supporters who get easily restless, then the town’s theme parks or water sport activities are all within easy reach.
Race-cation - sun & fun for all the family
With all that sun and golden sand on the shores of the Mediterranean it will be hard to resist staying on after your race whether you prefer a lively city break or chilling out.
You can either flop on one of Salou’s dozen beautiful, quiet beaches or stroll around the town’s promenade enjoying some delicious tapas in its many restaurants and cafes.
At night, don’t miss the 10:00pm spectacular light show at the fountains on the main boulevard or if you’re here to party, head for Avinguda de Carles Buigas for lively bars and trendy nightclubs
Travelling with youngsters? Salou is a family favourite due in no small part to it Port Aventura and Aquopolis theme parks where you can keep everyone entertained for days not just hours.
Port Aventura is now so big it has three theme parks, the latest being Ferrari Land which will delight thrillseekers and petrolheads alike with its F1-themed rides including, if you dare, Red Force, Europe’s highest and fastest roller coaster.
Just a short drive away you’ll find the picturesque walled medieval city of Tarragona, the site of many Roman ruins including an impressive Roman amphitheatre.
And of course, if a city is more your thing, then cosmopolitan Barcelona, renowned for its art and architecture including Gaudi’s fantastical Sagrada Familia church, is just an hour along the coast.
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