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Something new: Challenge Cancún, Mexico

Looking for some triathlon 'fun in the sun' in 2020? Perhaps these images from the recent debut edition of Challenge Cancún, Mexico can tempt you?!
Chief Correspondent
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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

Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Andy Potts prepares for the swim – never a problem for him
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
IRONMAN South Africa winner, Ben Hoffman
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Ellie Salthouse looking in the zone
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Three-time IRONMAN World Champion Mirinda Carfrae
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Almost time to go…
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Pro Men start
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Pro Women start
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Age-Group athletes too
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Powering through the swim exit to T1
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Ben Hoffman
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Alan Carrillo
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Andy Potts alone at the front of the race
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Flat, fast and aero
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Rinny as chasing…
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
… but the ever colourful Ellie Salthouse was extending her lead
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Yvonne Van Vlerken on the bike
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Keeping hydrated in the sun
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Mexico!
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
T2 for Andy Potts – and a big lead
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Ben Hoffman
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
A Canadian battle between Taylor Reid and Cody Beals
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Beals would win that battle and secure second place to Potts, passing Hoffman too
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Ellie Salthouse coping with the heat and running to victory
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Carfrae in her favourite discipline
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Victory for a smiling Ellie Salthouse
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
A family finish for Mirinda
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Champagne celebrations for the men’s podium
Challenge Cancún 2019 - José Luis Hourcade
Challenge Cancun – where the winner gets a big hat!
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
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