In pictures – the debut edition of Challenge Cancún

Cancún, Mexico has quite a history with the sport of triathlon. Venue of the ITU Triathlon World Championships under the old ‘one day’ format twice, Simon Lessing was a British World Champion in 1995, while I was there myself in 2002 when Leanda Cave became World Champion, passing a fading Barb Lindquist (USA) in the very late stages in some hot conditions.

A couple of weeks back a new addition to the calendar was held for the first time, Challenge Cancún (www.challenge-cancun.com), another destination race which provides a great opportunity to combine triathlon with one of the best tourist destinations in the world. With extensive accommodation options, clear blue seas, great beaches and plenty of flights from all over the world, perhaps this one could be one to keep you motivated through the 2019/20 winter and kick-start 2020 with a race in the sun?

José Luis Hourcade (www.joseluishourcade.com) was once again on hand at the race to capture some great images for us, following up a busy start to the season with previous galleries from Challenge Salou and the Cannes International Triathlon

Challenge Cancún, Mexico – Sunday 28th April 2019
1.9km / 90km / 21.1km

ELITE MEN

1st – Andy Potts (USA) – 3:49:26
2nd – Cody Beals (CAN) – 3:50:32
3rd – Ben Hoffman (USA) – 3:51:44

ELITE WOMEN

1st – Ellie Salthouse (AUS) – 4:09:37
2nd – Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) – 4:18:17
3rd – Yvonne Van Vlerken (NED) – 4:34:21