Former IRONMAN World Champion and reigning Challenge Roth champion Anne Haug will start her 2025 pro season at Challenge Salou this weekend.

The brilliant German shattered the previous world best full-distance time when winning Challenge Roth on home roads last summer in 8:02:38, rounded off with a 2:38 marathon.

That was her third victory in the iconic race and she is the headline name at what is the 10th edition of Challenge Salou this Sunday (11 May) on Spain’s Costa Daurada.

Impressive warm up display

One of the most decorated athletes in the sport, 42-year-old Haug looks as good as ever and showed she is in form for Salou with a victory in the Olympic-distance Club La Santa Volcano Triathlon last weekend.

That’s the oldest international triathlon race in Spain and a 33:45 10k run saw Haug finish more than 15 minutes clear of her closest female rival – and fifth overall with her time of 2:05:51.

She will be the strong favourite at Challenge Salou as she looks to extend a remarkable record of success in her opening race of the campaign.

In no fewer than six of the last eight seasons since moving up to middle / long distance she has started with a win, while finishing runner-up the other two times.

Wayaffe tops men’s race

Up against Haug will be Elisabetta Curridori (ITA), a consistent performer on the international stage who won on Spanish soil last month at the Peniscola Infinitri.

Nikita Paskiewiez (BEL) and Judith Corachan Vaquera (ESP) also line up as do Rosie Weston (GBR) and Rachel Brown (CAN).

In the pro men’s field, Jonathan Wayaffe (BEL) leads the way having rounded off last season in perfect style with victory at Challenge Barcelona.

His main rival could prove to be Thomas Davis (GBR) who was third at Challenge Salou last year.