Gallery: The Debut Challenge Daytona

Weather can’t stop the racing action at the first edition of Challenge Daytona

Pieter Heemeryck, Sarah Haskins take the honours in Florida

A year ago (HERE) I was fortunate to be in Florida at the ‘World Center of Racing’, Daytona International Speedway, for the launch of the return of Challenge Family to the U.S. market with Challenge Daytona (www.challenge-daytona.com).

The scheduled Middle Distance race was impacted by difficult weather conditions, storms and lightening and with a delayed start the Pro race (held entirely within and on the grounds of the motor racing circuit), went ahead with reduced distances of approximately 1.6km swim, 60km bike and 13km run. Feedback from the Pro athletes seems to have been very positive concerning the organisers dealing with the difficult circumstances and still delivering a quality race despite the late changes required.

Seeking to improve his position in the Challenge Family rankings (as I suggested some European athletes would look to do), Belgium’s Pieter Heemeryck took the men’s win ahead of home athlete and first-off-the-bike, Andrew Starykowicz.

The USA’s Sarah Haskins was a dominant women’s champion, setting the fastest splits across all three disciplines for a five minute margin of victory.

Check out the action in pictures from, for the last time in 2018 (we think!), the very well-travelled lens of photographer José Luis Hourcade (www.joseluishourcade.com).

Challenge Daytona, Sunday 9th December 2018
1.6km / 60km / 13km (Distances amended due to lightening / delayed start / course changes)

PRO MEN

1st – Pieter Heemeryck (BEL) – 2:27:45
2nd – Andrew Starykowicz (USA) – 2:28:58
3rd – Santiago Ascenco (BRA) – 2:29:44
4th – Taylor Reid (CAN) – 2:31:41
5th – Matthew Russell (USA) – 2:33:26
6th – Steven Zawaski (USA) – 2:34:21
7th – Chris Standidge (GBR) – 2:34:52
8th – Sam Proctor (GBR) – 2:37:14

PRO WOMEN

1st – Sarah Haskins (USA) – 2:42:52
2nd – Alicia Kaye (USA) – 2:47:58
3rd – Meredith Kessler (USA) – 2:50:35
4th – Laura Matthews (USA) – 2:53:49
5th – Lisa Roberts (USA) – 2:57:34