Alistair Brownlee confirmed to race Challenge Gran Canaria

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s news that double Olympic Champion Alistair Brownlee is registered for IRONMAN 70.3 St. George on 6th May, further news now that his half-distance debut (yes, we know he did race at Abu Dhabi twice, over a middle-ish format a couple of times previously…), will take place in two weeks time at Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria.

I did actually close yesterday’s piece with “It is still a month away, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him fit in a warm-up race in between now and then, before seeing how he measures up to the best IRONMAN 70.3 athletes in the world.” Gran Canaria would appear to be a good fit.

Now in its second year, the race on 22nd April 2017 takes place one day before his 29th birthday.

The Challenge Gran Canaria event features a EUR 3,200 first prize, with the purse total of EUR 18,000 – split 50/50 male and female.

Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria 2017

“We are thrilled that Alistair Brownlee has decided to choose a Challenge Family race to debut his long-distance triathlon career,” said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO. “Gloria Challenge Mog​á​n Gran Canaria is a testing and diverse course with steep mountains that climb above a rugged coastline. The bike course in particular is unique, varied and technical, which will suit Alistair.”

Commenting on future race plans, Alistair said: “I’m delighted to be racing my first middle distance triathlon race at Gloria Challenge Gran Canaria on 22n​d ​April. I’ve made no secret that I am going to spend the next couple of years racing some different distances and I’m really looking forward to the process of preparing for some longer distance races and of course, competing at them. I can’t think of a better place for my first one.”

Race director of Gloria Challenge Mog​á​n Gran Canaria, Jordi ​González​, said: “Last year was a dream come true for me when, after 25 years of being involved in the sport, I was asked to organise the international triathlon event with Challenge Family in Gran Canaria, where I was born. Now with Alistair Brownlee among those who are confirmed to race this year’s Gloria Challenge Mog​á​n Gran Canaria, the dream has evolved and it’s an honour to welcome the legendary triathlete to Mog​án.”

For more information on the race, the course, the full start list, and what to look out for during the event, please visit: ​www.challengegrancanaria.com.