Race images from Challenge Family The Championship – Samorin, Slovakia – 2019
As you’ll likely have seen if you’ve seen the Elite report (HERE) or the Age-Group roundup (HERE), there was once again significant British interest (and success) at the third edition of The Championship in Samorin, Slovakia on Sunday.
The highlight of the Challenge Family Middle Distance series, the race offers Pro athletes a prize purse of EUR 150,000, a 20 metre drafting zone and a quite remarkable host venue at the x-bionic Sphere in Samorin. The race also provided full live-streaming coverage, which I was over in Slovakia to host once again, this year joined by Laura Siddall. If you missed it, you can still catch up on the entire broadcast on YouTube (HERE), or through the endurancesports.tvapp. You can find out more about endurance sports TV HERE.
Jose Luis Hourcade (www.joseluishourcade.com) was once again on hand to capture the action, and bring you the visual experience of a race. To find out more about The Championship, visit the race website via: www.thechampionship.de.
Check out some great images from the race below
All smiles from Lucy Charles-Barlcay before the startEllie Salthouse (AUS) was back for a third yearSebastian Kienle ready for another epic in SamorinBen Kanute and Sebastian Kienle check out the swim courseThe men enter the Danube for the swim startLucy lead from the first strokes of the swim… as normal.Ben Kanute (USA) and Max Neumann (AUS) headed the swimMaurice ClavelThomas Davis and David McNameePieter Heemeryck (BEL) and Ruedi Wild (SUI)Sebastian Kienle gets ready to chase on the bikeAs always, Lucy lead the swimRadka KahlefeldtSebastian Kienle in full aero modeFastest man on the bike course – Andreas DreitzDavid McNamee on the new Cervelo P5Frederik FunkGreat Britain’s Adam BowdenPieter Heemeryck spent most of the day at the front of the raceDylan McNiece from New ZealandLucy Charles at the front of the race2018 third place finisher, Florian AngertAndreas Dreitz was in beast mode on the bikeHeemeryck leads the way on the banks on the DanubeUp close with David McNameeMauricio Mendez, former XTERRA World ChampionFlat and fast – but the 20m rules keeps it fairThomas Davis had a strong raceRodolphe Von Berg is putting together an impressive C.V.Sebastian in the final miles of the ridePieter Heemeryck ran strongly from the startFlorian Angert – with the iconic statue at the x-bionic Sphere in the backgroundAndi Dreitz still ran well after a storming 1:54:06 bike splitBen Kanute didnt have quite the day he hoped for, despite a great swim to start the dayKienle would prove he is a great runner as well as an uber-bikerFrederic Funk ended the day 11thThomas Davis was mixing it with the big guns in SamorinLittle separated the top men through the runPieter Heemeryck was trying to keep coolKienle caught Von Berg… but the American fought backLucy Charles looked great throughout the runAnja IppachRadka Kahlefeldt used the fastest run split to move through to second placeThis one meant a lot to Sebastian KienleThree years, three wins for Lucy CharlesAt least the champagne opened this year…!The womens podium: Lucy Charles, Radka Kahlefeldt, Daniela Bleymehl
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.
Discover more
Laura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
How to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
Is your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
What triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
Georgia Taylor-Brown on enjoying her busy “year off” and wanting “to go out on a bit of a high”
Challenge Roth publish RaceRanger anti-drafting data from both pro races in a first for triathlon
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC
We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.
Monthly
Yearly(50%Discount)
£7.95/month
Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.
100+ new articles/month
VIP access to a library of NEW premium content, plus full access to the TRI247 archives.
Expert training tips and advice
Exclusive columns and insights from triathlon legends
Member-only discounts on your favourite triathlon brands and services
Plus early access to our new video platform, 247+
You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:
Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.
VIP access to a library of NEW premium content, plus full access to the TRI247 archives.
Expert training tips and advice
Member-only discounts on your favourite triathlon brands and services
Plus early access to our new video platform, 247+
Shape the future of TRI247+, have your say and help us build something game-changing
You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:
Laura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
